Following a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, Moroccan midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has become the primary target for Manchester City as they look to fill the void left by Rodri’s impending departure to La Liga. The 18-year-old Lille playmaker, who dazzled global audiences with his composure against football giants like Brazil and the Netherlands, has reportedly already agreed to personal terms. With Lille holding out for a €100m valuation, the deal is shaping up to be one of the most significant transfers of the summer, marking a pivotal transition for the club as they embark on a new chapter under manager Enzo Maresca.

Bouaddi’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his senior debut as a teenager, he has shown a maturity that defies his age, a trait that ultimately convinced him to represent Morocco over France, his birth nation. As City prepares for life after the Pep Guardiola era, they are banking on Bouaddi’s elite passing range and cool-headed temperament to anchor their midfield. While stepping into the shoes of a Ballon d’Or winner like Rodri is a daunting task, the young star’s recent performances on the world stage suggest he has the technical brilliance and mental fortitude to flourish in the English Premier League.