Manchester City are actively negotiating with Lille over the future of 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed for some time, but the two clubs are still working to hammer out the final transfer fee and related clauses.
The young playmaker, who has already attracted interest from several top European sides, is seen as a long‑term investment for the Sky Blues as they look to refresh their midfield options. At the same time, City appear to have shelved any immediate pursuit of Barcelona’s Spanish captain Rodri.
After receiving what they deemed a token opening bid—estimated at around £40 million—the English champions felt the offer did not reflect Rodri’s market value or his importance to Barcelona. Consequently, the talks have been placed on hold while the club focuses on other priorities. Rodri, who captains both Spain and Barcelona, is scheduled to return to Manchester City on Friday following his post‑World Cup break.
With just one year remaining on his contract, the club is keen to secure an extension, but the negotiations are still in their early stages. In addition to Bouaddi, City have identified a number of midfield targets to bolster the squad should further departures occur. One name that has surfaced repeatedly is Enzo Fernández, the Argentine international currently at Chelsea.
Chelsea have reportedly set a price tag of about £120 million for the 22‑year‑old, who previously worked under City’s new manager Enzo Maresca during his spell at Chelsea. Fernández’s blend of technical ability, vision, and work‑rate makes him an attractive option for a side that values possession‑based football. The Premier League side also faces interest in some of its own players. Nottingham Forest have been linked with Tijjani Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder who joined City from AC Milan for £46 million last summer.
While Forest’s interest is genuine, City have not confirmed any formal approach and may decide to keep Reijnders as part of their squad depth. Veteran midfielder Mateo Kovačić is expected to see out the final year of his contract at the Etihad, providing experience and stability in the centre of the park. Meanwhile, Nico González has publicly expressed a desire to remain at the club, although it remains uncertain whether his playing time will increase under Maresca’s system.
Another player whose future is under review is winger Omar Marmoush. City’s manager has compared Marmoush’s situation to that of goalkeeper James Trafford, who recently moved to Leeds United after seeking regular minutes. Marmoush has indicated that he wants more game time, and Maresca has signalled that he is open to facilitating a move if it benefits the player’s development.
There has been no recent contact regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s target Savinho, a young talent who reportedly wishes to leave Manchester City for a switch to the North London club. As of now, the transfer remains speculative. On a more positive note, Brazilian youngster Vitor Reis is expected to stay at City for the upcoming season and compete for a place in the first team.
The 20‑year‑old impressed Maresca during the club’s pre‑season tour of the Far East after spending the previous campaign on loan at City’s sister club Girona. Reis was acquired for just under £30 million eighteen months ago and is viewed as a promising prospect for the future. Returning players also include striker Erling Haaland, winger Jeremy Doku, forward Rayan Cherki, and England internationals Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson, all of whom are due back at the Etihad on Wednesday after their respective breaks. Overall, Manchester City’s transfer strategy appears to be a blend of securing emerging talent like Bouaddi, pursuing established stars such as Fernández, and managing the squad’s existing assets.
The club’s leadership under Maresca is keen to assemble a balanced midfield capable of supporting their attacking philosophy while also planning for the long‑term sustainability of the squad. As negotiations continue and the summer window progresses, fans can expect further updates on both incoming and outgoing moves, with the ultimate goal of maintaining City’s competitive edge both domestically and in Europe.