Manchester City are preparing for life after Rodri, and they appear to have already settled on a target. According to reports from The Athletic and French outlet L'Equipe, City have entered discussions over a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a deal potentially valued at £60 million.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most accomplished deep-lying playmakers in European football, drawing praise for his composure under pressure and his ability to distribute the ball from the base of midfield. Bouaddi broke into Lille's senior squad at just 16, and his displays in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League have positioned him among the continent's most sought-after young midfielders.

Rodri's anticipated exit

Rodri is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium for Barcelona, a move that would bring the curtain down on a remarkable stint in Manchester for the Ballon d'Or and World Cup-winning midfielder. City's recruitment team are said to have moved quickly to identify his long-term successor rather than pursue a short-term fix.

Bouaddi, a Moroccan international, is regarded internally at City as a player capable of growing into a role similar to the one Rodri has defined over several trophy-laden seasons. The club's preference for long-term planning over stopgap solutions signals confidence that Bouaddi can anchor the midfield as the team evolves.

A new era at the Etihad

City's pursuit of Bouaddi reflects a broader shift at the club as it navigates what many observers are calling a post-Guardiola transition. With one dominant era drawing to a close, the signing of one of Europe's brightest young midfielders would signal a clear intent to remain competitive at the highest level.

Should Rodri's move to Barcelona be confirmed at around £60 million, reports suggest that figure would directly facilitate the club's pursuit of Bouaddi — with the Etihad faithful set to welcome a player many believe could be the next elite midfield anchor in English football.