Manchester City is pursuing a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with an agreement expected before the end of the week [2].
The move comes as the club seeks to strengthen its midfield core while managing internal tensions and potential departures of key players.
Reports on the transfer fee vary. Some sources cite a figure of $115.3 million [2], while others report the fee at £85 million [5]. City has reportedly offered Bouaddi a five-year contract [2]. The pursuit of the French wonderkid also puts City in direct competition with Manchester United.
While the club looks toward the future, a new documentary has highlighted past instability within the squad. The film captures a major feud between manager Pep Guardiola and captain Kyle Walker. The conflict occurred during the autumn of 2026, a period described as dreadful for the club. During that stretch, City suffered nine losses in 12 games [4].
The friction between the manager and the captain stemmed from Guardiola accusing Walker of not taking enough responsibility on the pitch [3]. This internal strife coincided with one of the most difficult runs in the club's recent history.
Adding to the uncertainty, reports have surfaced regarding midfielder Rodri. While unverified, some reports suggest Rodri may be considering a move to Barcelona due to concerns over playing time [5]. The potential exit of a cornerstone player further explains City's urgency in securing a replacement like Bouaddi.
The club has not officially commented on the Rodri rumors or the specific financial terms of the Bouaddi negotiations.
“Manchester City is pursuing a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi”
The simultaneous pursuit of Bouaddi and the rumored departure of Rodri suggests a strategic pivot in Manchester City's midfield composition. By targeting a younger talent, the club is preparing for a generational transition. Furthermore, the public disclosure of the Guardiola-Walker feud via documentary provides a rare glimpse into the volatility that accompanies the club's high-pressure environment, showing that even dominant teams face significant internal leadership crises during performance dips.
