Manchester City continue to negotiate with Lille over the future of 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The personal terms between the player and the English club have reportedly been settled for some time, and both sides are now working to hammer out a transfer agreement that satisfies the clubs involved.
At the same time, City appear to have paused any active discussions with Barcelona regarding a possible return for Rodri. The club’s hierarchy felt that Barcelona’s initial bid – estimated to be in the region of £40 million – was far below what they consider the Spanish captain’s true market value.
Rodri, who captains Spain and will re‑join Manchester City after his post‑World Cup break on Friday, still has a year left on his contract, and the City board are keen to secure a new deal to keep him at the Etihad. Sky Sports News reports that Barcelona are reviewing their position and may table a more realistic offer for the 30‑year‑old midfielder, but for now the focus for the Premier League side has shifted to other areas of the squad. In addition to Bouaddi, the club’s scouting network has identified a handful of midfield options that could be pursued should further departures materialise.
One name that has surfaced repeatedly is Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández. The Blues have placed a £120 million price tag on the 22‑year‑old, who previously worked under Manchester City’s new head coach Enzo Maresca during his stint at Chelsea. Fernández’s blend of technical skill, vision and defensive tenacity makes him an attractive prospect for a City side looking to refresh its midfield depth.
While the club’s transfer strategy unfolds, there are also several players whose futures are under review. Nottingham Forest have shown interest in Tijjani Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder City signed from AC Milan for £46 million last summer.
Reijnders has struggled to cement a regular starting place, and a move away could benefit both player and club. Conversely, Mateo Kovačić appears set to remain at Manchester City for the final year of his contract, providing experienced options in the centre of the park.
Nico González, another young midfielder, has publicly expressed a desire to stay, though it remains uncertain whether he will receive more playing time under Maresca’s system. The club’s manager has also hinted that winger Omar Marmoush will need to decide his own fate, drawing a parallel with the situation of goalkeeper James Trafford, who recently transferred to Leeds United after seeking regular minutes. Marmoush, who is eager for more game time, has been given a clear signal that a move away could be possible if he feels his development is being hindered. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Savinho – a versatile attacker who has been linked with a move away from City – has not yet resulted in any concrete offers.
The club’s front office is waiting for a formal approach before proceeding further. On the brighter side, Brazilian youngster Vítor Reis is expected to stay and compete for a first‑team place this season. 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 Girona, City’s sister club.
Having arrived at Manchester City 18 months ago for just under £30 million, Reis is now poised to make a genuine push for regular Premier League action. In addition to the midfield reshuffle, several key players are set to return to training this week. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and England internationals Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson are all due back at the Etihad on Wednesday, bolstering the squad ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Overall, Manchester City’s transfer window appears to be a balancing act: securing promising talent like Bouaddi, evaluating the feasibility of high‑profile targets such as Fernández, and managing the departure or retention of existing squad members.
The club’s ability to navigate these negotiations will shape the composition of Pep Guardiola’s successor’s side and determine how effectively they can challenge on multiple fronts in the coming season.