Liverpool look set to lose out on Moroccan wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, who appears to be on the verge of signing for Manchester City.
Real Madrid are in negotiations to sign Rodri, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that they “have approached Manchester City forRodri for the first time.”
With “verbal discussions” underway between Madrid and City, the Cityzens will need to find a replacement, and it appears as though Bouaddi will be just the man for the job.
??? Real Madrid have approached Manchester City for Rodri for the first time.
Negotiations have started with verbal discussions between clubs.
Florentino Pérez has given approval to the deal after doors closed for months.
Real indicate they are ready to spend over €50m. pic.twitter.com/mf8HNldbcZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2026
Liverpool have been fairly heavily linked with the 19-year-old defensive midfielder, but now look set to lose this transfer battle. L’Equipe reported a week ago that PSG had pulled out of the race, seemingly leaving Liverpool as the only elite club in the race.
City, however, appear to be well on their way to signing the Lille star.
Manchester City are “all in” to sign Bouaddi
According to another update from Fabrizio Romano on Instagram, Manchester City are “all in” to sign Bouaddi as talks with Lille are said to be “advancing” towards an €80m deal.
The Italian journalist reports: “BREAKING: Manchester City go ALL IN for Ayyoub Bouaddi with negotiations now ADVANCING!
“As revealed on Monday, talks continue with the player’s camp and also with Lille on fee over €70/80m package being discussed.
“The final decision on bringing in Bouaddi to City THIS or NEXT summer depends also on Rodri’s future, if he stays or leaves.
“DEAL UNDERWAY!”
Liverpool need a defensive midfielder to platform Andoni Iraola’s attacking football
Liverpool are set to see high-pressing football return to Anfield for the first time since Jurgen Klopp left Anfield in 2024, which is exactly what fans begged for all last season.
The Arne Slot era is over, and Iraola will lead the charge now. However, there are some concerns about the current makeup of the Liverpool squad.
The main point of contention is the lack of pace in the Reds’ attacking options but that is being addressed with talks underway to sign PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
For me, equally important is the need for a defensive midfielder to stablise things in the engine room after we saw Liverpool leak goals in transition worryingly consistently last season.
Bouaddi being taken off the board means addressing this just got a lot harder.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.