Manchester City are finalising the transfer of 18-year-old defensive midfielder Ayub Bouaddi from Lille.
According to insider Fabrizio Romano, the transfer was hastened right after the sale of Rodri to Barcelona.
Personal terms with the young talent were agreed upon days ago, and the City hierarchy has made the final decision: Bouaddi will join Enzo Maresca's squad immediately rather than in the summer of 2027 as originally planned.
Following the departure of the Spain international and former Ballon d'Or winner to Barcelona, City quickly activated the option to sign one of Europe's most promising defensive midfielders.
Initially, the clubs discussed a deal involving a purchase with a loan back to Lille for the season, but the upheaval at the Manchester club necessitated the immediate arrival of the midfielder at the Etihad.
