Manchester City are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Bouaddi in a deal worth around £85 million, as the club looks to reshape its midfield ahead of a significant departure.
The move comes as Spain international Rodri edges closer to finalising a £65 million switch to Barcelona, with the deal expected to be completed within days on a four-year contract. The transfer would bring an end to a hugely successful seven-year spell at the Etihad Stadium for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-club-record fee of £62.8 million and went on to become one of the most influential midfielders in European football, making 298 appearances and collecting a host of major honours during his time at the club. His importance to Pep Guardiola's side was underlined by his individual accolades, culminating in winning the Ballon d'Or last year.
However, the 30-year-old's recent seasons have been hampered by fitness issues. He missed a large portion of the 2024-25 campaign due to a serious knee injury and was further troubled by a hamstring problem in the following season. Despite those setbacks, Rodri showed he remains at the top level when fully fit, playing a central role for Spain as they lifted their second World Cup title this summer. His performances throughout the tournament were rewarded with the player of the tournament award, reaffirming his status as one of the finest midfielders in the world game.
With Rodri's future at City now appearing settled away from the Etihad, attention has turned to how the club plans to fill the void he will leave behind. Bouaddi, regarded as one of the brightest young talents to emerge from PSG's academy system, is seen as a long-term option who could develop into a key figure for Guardiola in the years ahead. At just 18, the fee being discussed reflects the growing trend of clubs investing heavily in elite young prospects with the potential for significant future value.
Questions remain, though, over whether pursuing a deal for Bouaddi could affect City's separate interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Sources close to the situation have indicated that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca continues to hold the Argentina international in high regard, suggesting that any move for the World Cup winner would not necessarily be straightforward even if City's focus shifts toward the teenage PSG midfielder.
City's business this window appears to reflect a dual strategy: securing proven, elite talent while also investing in a promising young player who could form part of the squad's core for years to come. The scale of investment being lined up for Bouaddi, despite his lack of first-team experience compared to more established targets, signals the club's willingness to compete for the continent's top emerging talents.
As the situation develops, both the Rodri-Barcelona transfer and City's pursuit of Bouaddi are expected to dominate headlines in the coming days, with further clarity likely once official confirmations are made by the clubs involved.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.