Manchester City have reached an agreement with Ayyoub Bouaddi and are in advanced discussions with Lille regarding a potential £86m transfer. The young Moroccan international is currently regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe’s top leagues and is seen as a fitting long-term replacement for Rodri, who has been pivotal for City.

Reports from talkSPORT suggest that the Bouaddi deal may hinge on Rodri's future with the club. Key points include:

• City is negotiating to sign Bouaddi for approximately £86m.
• There is uncertainty whether the 18-year-old will join Manchester City immediately or remain in Ligue 1 for another season.
• A successful deal for Bouaddi could pave the way for Rodri's departure to Real Madrid.

Rodri has been a crucial player for City, featuring in 298 games and contributing to various major titles, including the historic treble in 2022/23. The recent World Cup win with Spain adds pressure on Bouaddi or any potential successor to meet high expectations.

Despite his immense potential, it may be premature for Bouaddi to step directly into a starting role at a club of City’s stature. With the arrival of Elliot Anderson also in midfield, the burden of replacing Rodri won’t fall solely on Bouaddi.

The situation presents a significant challenge for new manager Enzo Maresca. Following Pep Guardiola’s departure, the prospect of losing Rodri in the same transfer window complicates matters. Maresca would likely prefer to inherit a stable squad featuring experienced leaders.

While City has the resources to invest in top talents like Anderson and Bouaddi, the transition to a new team dynamic for the 2026/27 season raises questions about sustaining their recent successes.