Manchester City Circle Bouaddi and Scott as Barcelona Push Hard for Rodri

Manchester City have held talks over an £85m move for Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder who lit up the summer's World Cup and starred in Lille's Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2024 (BBC Sport).

Bouaddi, who made 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season for Lille — France's top flight — is said to be keen on the switch. For City, signing a teenager of that profile is the forward-looking half of a summer in which one of their most important players is being pulled toward the exit.

Barcelona want Rodri. The Spain World Cup winner, now 30, has been the subject of a determined pursuit that has already seen two bids rejected: an opening £38.5m and then £55m, both knocked back as far too low (Sky Sports; The Guardian). City are holding out for upwards of £60m. Barcelona, undeterred, are preparing a final offer structured at €65m fixed plus €10m in add-on payments — a variable fee that rises if certain performance targets are met (Yahoo Sports). A source told ESPN that the Catalan club will return with a renewed proposal as negotiations continue (ESPN).

Barcelona's interest took on extra urgency when they spotted an opening: talks between Real Madrid and another party had stalled, and Barcelona moved to engage both Rodri's representatives and City directly (Sky Sports). The bid was rejected. Barcelona remain determined, and are considering their next move (Sky Sports).

While the Rodri saga plays out, City have also explored a move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The 21-year-old midfielder has turned down contract offers from Bournemouth amid interest from rival Premier League clubs, though his current deal runs until 2028 (BBC Sport). Bournemouth, for their part, have no intention of selling cheaply. They rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea last month and told suitors further approaches would not be welcomed. Arsenal's advances have been knocked back too.

Then there is Alexis Mac Allister. The Liverpool midfielder is into the final two years of his Anfield contract and is attracting interest from City's manager, according to the BBC report. Mac Allister endured a difficult 2025-26 season, struggling for form during a troubled campaign at Liverpool. Whether City formalise that interest remains to be seen — but a World Cup winner entering his final 24 months is exactly the kind of opportunity clubs watch closely.

For City, the picture is one of replacement and renewal. Rodri has been the midfield anchor through their most successful years — the player who controls the tempo, wins the ball back, and makes everyone around him better. If Barcelona finally meet the asking price, Pep Guardiola will need a successor, and quickly. Bouaddi, at 18, represents the long view. Scott, at 21, would be the ready-made Premier League option. Mac Allister, if pursued, would bring proven pedigree and a winner's medal.

None of these deals is done. But the shape of City's summer is becoming clear: prepare for life after Rodri by stocking the midfield with talent at every age and price point.