City Prepare for Life After Rodri Before Barça Have Even Signed Him

Manchester City are closing in on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. According to The Guardian, the 18-year-old has agreed personal terms, while the clubs continue negotiations over a deal that could be worth as much as €100 million. Enzo Maresca reportedly wants him in the first-team squad immediately.

The move is being linked to Rodri’s possible transfer to Barcelona. City are said to be increasingly resigned to losing the Spaniard, but Barça still need to improve their offer. The Guardian reports that an opening €45 million bid was rejected, with the potential sale of Ferran Torres expected to help finance the deal. Nothing has been officially agreed.

City are already choosing Rodri’s successor and reshaping their midfield. Barcelona are still working out which sale must happen before the purchase can be completed. Manchester appears ready for the post-Rodri era; Barça are not yet ready to pay for it.