Manchester City has secured the services of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £85m. The Morocco international faces the significant task of replacing Rodri, who has departed for Barcelona.
Despite his young age, Bouaddi brings considerable experience, having made his European debut shortly after his 16th birthday and completing three full seasons in Lille's first team. This culminated in his participation in the World Cup this summer.
Former Lille head of academy recruitment Mathieu Frison described Bouaddi as being "like a computer," noting his ability to learn and immediately apply new instructions. Bouaddi is also a keen chess player and is studying for a mathematics degree remotely, having passed his exams a year early.
Bouaddi represented France from under-16 to under-21 level, with former France under-18 coach Landry Chauvin calling him "one of the smartest players I’ve known in my coaching career." City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly rebuilding the midfield for the long term, following Rodri's exit and a £52m deal for Nico González to join Newcastle.