Manchester City prepares €90M for Rodri's replacement

Manchester City is preparing an offer of 90 million euros for a midfielder from Lille while planning a possible future without Rodri.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 25 Jul 2026 | 20.00
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Manchester City prepares €90M for Rodri's replacement.
Manchester City prepares €90M for Rodri's replacement.

Premier League
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Man City Bournemouth
23/08/26 15:00:00
1.44 5.00 6.00

Manchester City is preparing an offer of 90 million euros for Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder who belongs to Lille. The player is said to have already agreed on a contract until 2031, while the English club is preparing to start negotiations for his transfer.

The operation seems to be linked to planning for a possible future without Rodri, whose contract ends on June 30, 2027. The Spanish international has not yet finalized his renewal and continues to attract interest from outside England.

Manchester City reaches an agreement with Ayyoub Bouaddi

The initial contact of Manchester City is believed to have been made with Bouaddi's representatives. The personal terms include an agreement until 2031, so the next step will be to negotiate directly with Lille.

The French club currently has the midfielder under contract until 2029, after extending his commitment in December 2025. This duration allows Lille to approach negotiations without having to accept a sale below their valuation.

The 90 million euros being prepared by the English side are close to the demands of the French club, which are around 100 million. The difference between the two figures will shape the initial discussions between the clubs.

Bouaddi is estimated to have a market value of 50 million euros. A sale at the proposed amount would mean a nearly double return for Lille compared to his valuation for a player born on October 2, 2007.

During the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, the player featured for 2,329 minutes, provided one assist, and did not score any goals. His involvement indicates that he already holds a consistent role in the first team despite being 18 years old.

Ayyoub Bouaddi boosts his price and Lille raises its demands - Estadio Deportivo

Ayyoub Bouaddi emerges as a potential replacement for Rodri

Manchester City's interest also reflects the uncertainty surrounding Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is entering the final year of his contract and has not yet agreed on an extension with the English club.

Bouaddi primarily operates as a central midfielder and can contribute both in organization and recovery. The club believes that his age allows for his integration into the first team and development before a potential departure of the Spanish international.

The deal does not imply an immediate departure for Rodri from Manchester. However, with the remaining duration of his contract, the club needs to prepare alternatives to avoid being dependent on negotiations during the final months of his deal.

Initially, Lille preferred to retain the player for another season, but an offer close to 100 million euros could change their stance. The French club will have to decide whether to accept the 90 million, demand a higher sum, or introduce variables to reach their price.

Manchester City's focus shifts to the midfield

Manchester City's transfer plans prioritize the midfield area. Bouaddi fits into this strategy due to his position, experience in Ligue 1, and an already agreed contract up to 2031.

Competition for the player has also come from clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. However, the agreement reached with the midfielder puts City ahead, though finalizing the price with Lille remains pending.

The next step belongs to Manchester City, who will initiate talks with the French club based on the 90 million euros. If Lille maintains its request close to 100 million, the negotiation will have to settle on variables and payment structure before finalizing the transfer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Manchester City prepara 90M€ por el sustituto de Rodri