Manchester City are actively negotiating with Lille over the transfer of Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18‑year‑old midfielder who has already agreed personal terms with the English club. The two sides have been working toward a final agreement for some time, and the deal appears to be moving forward as the clubs attempt to bridge the remaining financial details. At the same time, City have effectively paused any ongoing discussions with Barcelona regarding a potential move for their Spanish captain Rodri. The Premier League side felt that Barcelona's opening bid, reported to be in the region of £40 million, was far below the valuation they consider appropriate for the 30‑year‑old.
Consequently, the English club has indicated that they are not actively pursuing a deal with the Catalans at this stage. Rodri is scheduled to return to Manchester City on Friday after a short break following the World Cup. He still has one year left on his current contract, and City are keen to persuade him to sign an extension before his deal expires.
In addition to the Bouaddi saga, City have identified a number of other midfield options to bolster their squad, particularly if further departures occur during the summer window. 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, but City see him as a viable target, especially given his previous working relationship with the club’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who oversaw Fernández at Chelsea.
While the focus remains on incoming talent, Manchester City are also monitoring interest in several of their own players. Nottingham Forest have shown curiosity about Tijjani Reijnders, a Dutch midfielder who arrived from AC Milan last summer for a reported £46 million.
City have not ruled out a sale, but any decision will hinge on the club’s broader recruitment strategy. Veteran midfielder Mateo Kovačić is expected to remain at the Etihad for the final year of his contract, providing experience and depth in the centre of the park. Similarly, Spanish youngster Nico González has publicly expressed a desire to stay, although it remains uncertain whether his playing time will increase under Maresca’s system.
Forward Omar Marmoush’s future is also under review. City’s manager likened his situation to that of James Trafford, who recently moved to Leeds United after seeking regular first‑team action.
Marmoush has indicated that he wants more minutes on the pitch, and Maresca has signalled that he is open to facilitating a move if it benefits the player’s development. Another potential departure is Brazilian winger Savinho, who has been linked with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. So far, there has been no fresh contact from the North London club, but the striker has made it clear that he would like to leave City for a new challenge.
On the other hand, young Brazilian prospect Vitor Reis appears set to remain at Manchester City for the upcoming season. The 20‑year‑old impressed Maresca during the club’s Far‑East pre‑season tour after spending the previous campaign on loan at Girona, City’s sister club.
Reis was signed from Girona for just under £30 million eighteen months ago and is expected to compete for a place in the first‑team squad. Returning to the senior ranks, Manchester City’s star forward Erling Haaland, alongside winger Jeremy Doku, attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, and England internationals Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson, are all due back at the club on Wednesday after their respective breaks.
Their reintegration will be crucial as City look to build momentum ahead of the new campaign. In summary, Manchester City’s transfer window narrative is shaped by a blend of aggressive pursuit—exemplified by the Bouaddi and Fernández targets—and strategic retention of key assets. The club’s management is balancing the ambition to refresh the midfield with the necessity of maintaining squad stability, all while navigating interest from other Premier League sides. As negotiations progress and contract discussions evolve, fans can expect further updates on the potential arrivals and departures that will define City’s roster for the forthcoming season.