Manchester City will pay 100 million for Rodri's heir

The Spanish midfielder has one foot out of the Etihad Stadium and is nearing Real Madrid, as the citizens look to sign a quality replacement.

Héctor Andreu | 30 Jul 2026 | 13.25
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Bouaddi will be Rodri's substitute at City / Elgrafico
Bouaddi will be Rodri's substitute at City / Elgrafico

Premier League
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Man City Bournemouth
23/08/26 15:00:00
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Ayyoub Bouaddi, a 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder, is already negotiating to become the star signing of Manchester City, which has chosen him as a possible replacement for Rodri Hernández. The English club is in talks with Lille and the transfer could reach 100 million euros, although his arrival date will depend on the future of the Spanish international.

The parties have already made progress on the player's personal terms, as reported in recent days. The next step is to reach an agreement between the clubs, with the possibility of completing the deal this summer or leaving the player in France for another season.

Ayyoub Bouaddi becomes part of Manchester City's plans

Manchester City has expedited the process for Ayyoub Bouaddi due to Real Madrid's interest in Rodri. The English club aims to have an alternative ready for the midfielder before making a final decision on the potential sale of the Spanish player.

Bouaddi is under contract with Lille until June 2029, having renewed in December 2025. This commitment allows the French club to negotiate without being obligated to accept an offer below their valuation.

The player's current market value is around 80 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. Some reports state that the French club's demands could reach 100 million euros, making it one of the major investments of the summer.

The midfielder featured in 25 Ligue 1 matches during the 2025/2026 season, with 23 starts and one assist. His performance with Morocco in the World Cup sparked interest from several European clubs and strengthened his market position.

Rodri Hernández's future dictates the timeline

The immediate signing of Bouaddi depends on Rodri Hernández's situation. Real Madrid is negotiating for the Spanish player, whose contract ends in June 2027, while the English team considers whether to accept a transfer or attempt to extend his contract.

If Rodri leaves Etihad this summer, City will try to sign the Lille player directly to integrate him into Enzo Maresca's squad. If the Spanish player stays, the alternative is to secure the transfer now and let Bouaddi remain on loan in France until 2027.

This second option would allow the player to get regular playing time before assuming an important role in England. It would also ease negotiations with Lille, as the club wishes to keep the midfielder for another season if they eventually accept his sale.

The personal agreement brings the operation closer, but details such as the fixed fee, variables, and the start date are yet to be decided. The French club also has no contractual obligation to sell, as they retain the player's rights for the next three seasons.

Bouaddi will be Rodri's successor

Lille maintains a strong position

Lille is aware that other European clubs have been monitoring the player in recent months. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked to his situation, but Manchester City has made the most progress in the talks.

The potential departure of Rodri would force the English club to find a midfielder capable of controlling the game. Bouaddi, standing at 1.85 meters, plays as a central midfielder and has already amassed over 60 appearances for the French first team despite his young age.

The next move will depend on the negotiations for Rodri Hernández and the final amount demanded by Lille. Ayyoub Bouaddi could join Manchester City this summer or remain in France until 2027, with the club-to-club agreement still pending.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El City pagará 100 millones por el heredero de Rodri