An unfortunate injury may change the plans of Manchester City concerning a Moroccan sensation | OneFootball

Rodri remains one of the most important players Manchester City have. Rodri’s importance to his team may be amplified as City embark on a new era. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder is a leader at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders and his presence will be vital to Enzo Maresca’s side next season. However, Rodri will make a delayed start to next season. Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Rodri is set to have surgery on a mysterious injury after the World Cup. Rodri’s situation may force Manchester City’s hand in their bid to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. City need a midfielder who can contribute right away and not one who won’t arrive at the Etihad in 12 months’ time.

Manchester City have held initial talks about signing Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille but there is a caveat.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester City’s efforts to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Romano reports that Manchester City have held initial talks over a move for the Moroccan midfield sensation. Furthermore, Romano reports that there are four clubs in the race to sign Bouaddi. European champions PSG aren’t in the race to sign Bouaddi as they are focused on other priorities in the transfer market. Fabrizio Romano further reports that Manchester City are keen to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi and they could loan the young midfielder back to Lille for the 2026-27 season. Bouaddi would spend next season at Lille, before arriving at the Etihad for the 2027-28 season.

With Rodri set to miss the start of next season, City cannot be signing a midfielder they cannot play straight away.

Rodri needing surgery following Spain’s participation at the World Cup does seemingly alter what Manchester City need to do in the summer transfer market. City were in the market for another midfielder after completing their move to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. With Rodri set to miss the start of next season, City now need another midfielder who can contribute straight away. Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is that player.

Bouaddi’s performances at the World Cup for Morocco show he’s ready to take the next step in his career. The Moroccan midfielder has also proven his pedigree at Lille. Yes, moving from Ligue One to the Premier League is a big step up in competition. However, it seems to be one that Bouaddi is ready to make. There is merit to the idea of City signing Bouaddi and loaning him back to Lille to aid his development. Rodri’s injury situation does change what Manchester City need. If Bouaddi is the midfielder that City want to sign, they need him now, not in 12 months’ time. Perhaps this may change how City’s plan to sign the Lille midfielder. It remains to be seen if this will be the case.

Rodri missing the start of the next season may change how Manchester City operates in the summer transfer window. Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi seems to be a midfielder that City are after. However, Rodri’s mystery injury may rule out a loan move for Bouaddi. Whether or not this changes the equation in City’s bid to sign Bouaddi isn’t yet known. You do sense that it will given that City will not want to start the 2026-27 season with a hole in their midfield.