Manchester City signs rising midfield star Ayyoub Bouaddi after Rodri’s departure to Barcelona

Manchester City has secured a highly-rated 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, from Lille in a deal valued at $117 million. This move comes after Rodri's departure to Barcelona, with Bouaddi expected to be the long-term replacement for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. The young talent signed a five-year contract for a fee of €95 million, plus €5 million in add-ons.

Bouaddi, a deep-lying midfielder, is seen as a rising star in the Premier League, capable of filling the void left by Rodri. This signing is part of City's midfield rebuild under manager Enzo Maresca, who has already spent £155 million on England international Elliot Anderson. Newcastle also signed 24-year-old Nico Gonzalez on a long-term deal from City, who made his first-team debut at just 11 years old.