Manchester City are actively negotiating with Lille over the transfer of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The personal terms for the 18‑year‑old have reportedly been settled for some time, and both clubs are now focused on reaching a financial agreement that satisfies all parties involved.
At the same time, City appear to have paused any serious discussions with Barcelona regarding a move for their captain Rodri. The English side felt the opening bid – rumored to be in the region of £40 million – was far below the valuation they expect for the 30‑year‑old Spanish midfielder. Consequently, they have labelled those talks as inactive for the moment. Rodri is scheduled to re‑join the squad on Friday after his post‑World Cup break.
With just one year remaining on his current contract, Manchester City are keen to persuade him to sign an extension, hoping to retain the player who has been a pivotal figure in their midfield for several seasons. Sky Sports News reports that Barcelona are still deliberating on what their next offer might look like for the Spaniard, but City seem unconcerned about any immediate bid. Beyond Bouaddi, the Etihad are also scouting a number of other midfield options to bolster the squad, especially if further departures materialise this summer. One name that has surfaced repeatedly is Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández.
The Blues have placed a hefty £120 million price tag on the 22‑year‑old, reflecting his rising reputation after a standout season in the Premier League. Fernández previously worked under Enzo Maresca, the new City manager, during his time at Chelsea, forging a strong professional relationship that could ease his potential transition to Manchester.
Maresca’s familiarity with the Argentine’s playing style and temperament makes him a compelling target for the club’s recruitment strategy. On the outgoing side, Manchester City are aware that Nottingham Forest have expressed interest in Tijjani Reijnders.
The Dutch midfielder arrived from AC Milan last summer for a fee of £46 million and has since become a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola’s side. Forest’s pursuit adds another layer of complexity to City’s transfer plans. Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Mateo Kovačić is expected to honour the final year of his contract at the Etihad, providing experience and stability in the centre of the park. Nico González, another young talent, has publicly stated his desire to remain at the club, though it remains uncertain whether his playing time will increase under Maresca’s tactical setup.
City boss Enzo Maresca has also hinted that Omar Marmoush will need to decide his own future, drawing a parallel with the situation of James Trafford, who recently departed for Leeds United after seeking more regular minutes. Marmoush, eager for increased game time, has been given assurances that Maresca is willing to grant him the opportunities he seeks this season.
There has been no new communication regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s target, Savinho, who has reportedly expressed a wish to leave Manchester City and join the North London club. As of now, the transfer remains in limbo.
In contrast, young Brazilian prospect Vitor Reis appears set to stay at City for the upcoming campaign. The 20‑year‑old impressed Maresca during the club’s Far East pre‑season tour after spending the previous season on loan at sister club Girona. City secured his services 18 months ago for just under £30 million, and his development continues to be closely monitored. Additionally, key attacking players such as Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, as well as England internationals Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson, are all due to return to training on Wednesday, bolstering the squad’s depth across multiple positions.
Overall, Manchester City’s transfer window narrative is shaping up to be a blend of strategic acquisitions and calculated departures. While the club pushes forward with the Bouaddi deal and keeps an eye on Enzo Fernández, it also manages interest in several of its own assets, ensuring that the squad remains competitive on all fronts for the forthcoming season.