Rodri has completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona in a deal worth several tens of millions of euros, potentially clearing the way for Manchester City to pursue Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Spain international’s arrival in Catalonia removes one of the players who would have competed with Bouaddi, among others, for a place in Barcelona’s midfield. Rodri is regarded as a major addition for the Spanish club, which has paid a substantial fee to secure the World Cup winner.
His transfer could now make it easier for Manchester City to recruit Bouaddi from Lille. However, the Premier League club must still meet the financial demands set by the French side before any move for the 19-year-old Morocco international can go ahead.
Bouaddi’s possible arrival at Manchester City is therefore not automatic. Although Rodri’s departure from the Premier League club and subsequent move to Barcelona may have created an opportunity, Lille continue to hold the key to negotiations because of the compensation they require for their midfielder.
Manchester City would need to pay the necessary fee requested by Lille in order to complete a deal for Bouaddi. Until those demands are met, the player remains with the French club.
The move for Rodri has nevertheless changed the situation surrounding Bouaddi. Barcelona’s midfield now includes the former Manchester City player, while Manchester City could turn its attention more directly towards the Lille teenager.
Rodri’s transfer has been finalised, with Barcelona committing several tens of millions of euros for the world champion. His move brings an end to the immediate uncertainty over where he would continue his career and gives Barcelona a new midfield option.
For Manchester City, his departure could provide room to strengthen the same area of the team with a younger player. Bouaddi is the name now linked with that possibility, although the deal depends on whether Manchester City are prepared to pay the indemnities demanded by Lille.
The 19-year-old Moroccan would be among the players competing for a midfield position if he were to move to Manchester City. For now, however, the only completed transfer is Rodri’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona, while Bouaddi’s potential switch remains subject to an agreement between Manchester City and Lille.