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Ayyoub Bouaddi joins Manchester City as Rodri replacement amid squad changes

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 2:14 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Ayyoub Bouaddi joins Manchester City as Rodri replacement amid squad changes
Summary

Ayyoub Bouaddi will join Manchester City just shy of his 19th birthday, following Rodri's departure to Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth at least $110 million. The young midfielder has gained recognition in Ligue 1 with Lille, where he debuted at 16, and performed well at this summer's World Cup for Morocco. With both Rodri and Bernardo Silva now gone, City will undergo significant changes in the midfield, and Bouaddi is viewed as a key player in this transition. Manager Enzo Maresca will oversee the adaptations required for the new squad.

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  • •Rodri left Manchester City for Barcelona earlier this month.
  • •Bouaddi's career includes 96 senior appearances and five World Cup starts.
  • •City's midfield overhaul also faces adjustments from other new additions.
  • •Bouaddi's role will focus on defensive stability and counterattack prevention.
Latest Updates
  • 3:08 PMESPN — Why Man City signed Ayyoub Bouaddi, their future and present midfield star
  • 8:25 PMYahoo Sports — A big day of midfield restructuring has occured at Manchester City
  • 11:06 AMYahoo Sports — Manchester City sign teenage Moroccan football star Ayyoub Bouaddi
  • 10:51 AMYahoo Sports — Manchester City signs rising midfield star Ayyoub Bouaddi after Rodri's departure to Barcelona
  • 10:19 AMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Official: Ayyoub Bouaddi signs for Manchester City
  • 1:52 PMYahoo Sports — Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City: Why 18-year-old was prioritized amidst Rodri, Silva exits
What they're saying
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Manchester City signed highly rated teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on Wednesday, getting a rising star seen as the Premier League giant's long-term replacement for Rodri. City confirmed the transfer in a statement on its website, saying the 18-year-old Morocco international has signed a five-year-contract. Bouaddi's arrival follows the departure of 2024 men's Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who recently joined Barcelona after helping Spain win the World Cup.

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From Ligue des talents.With Rodri having left for FC Barcelona, Manchester City have officially found one of his replacements!The English club announced at midday this Wednesday the sensational signin...

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Manchester City have landed a key piece of their midfield as they have confirmed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Bouaddi’s age, established talent and potential to grow see the Moroccan in...

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