RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sourcesReal Madrid receive boost as Manchester City reach agreement with Rodri replacement – report
Real Madrid are in negotiations with Manchester City to try to sign World Cup winner Rodri this summer.
The Spaniard has less than 12 months left on his current deal with the English club, and he seems inclined towards moving back to Madrid.
Although City maintain a stance that they want to retain Rodri’s services and get him to agree to a new deal, they may be fighting a losing battle.
City preparing for life after Rodri
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo , Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri appears to have received another significant boost, with City reaching an agreement to sign his potential replacement.
Headed to Man City. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
City have agreed personal terms with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old emerging as the club’s preferred replacement for Rodri.
While the transfer has not yet been completed, negotiations seem to be on the right track.
The report claims Manchester City have accepted that keeping Rodri is becoming increasingly difficult.
That has accelerated the search for a successor, with Bouaddi now identified as the leading candidate.
The teenager, who had a breakout World Cup campaign, has accepted the Etihad as his next destination, although discussions with Lille on the transfer fee are ongoing.
Bouaddi deal could clear Real Madrid’s path
The proposed move is expected to cost City around €100 million, underlining how highly the Premier League club rate the Morocco international.
Lille would prefer Bouaddi to remain for another season, but Man City are keen to bring him in immediately so he can begin adapting to the demands of English football.
One step closer to Real Madrid? (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca and company could make that decision on whether they want him this season or the next depending on whether they manage to convince Rodri to stay.
Encouraging signs for Real Madrid
Finding a successor before completing the sale of a world-class player is common practice for Europe’s biggest clubs, and City’s actions suggest they are actively planning for that possibility.
However, Los Blancos still have work to do to get City to agree to a fee.
It is understandable why the Spanish club want Rodri so badly. He has the ability to make their midfield look completely different and reach a whole new level.
Although injuries may not have been kind to him in the last couple of seasons, Rodri showed at the World Cup that he remains the best defensive midfielder in the world when fit.
The Spaniard has now undergone surgery on a minor back problem, and he will hope that he can remain fit for a sustained period once he returns.
The Bouaddi operation clears the path for Real Madrid to an extent, especially considering Manchester City have also signed Elliott Anderson.
Everything points to Rodri wearing Madrid’s white sooner rather than later, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations play out.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.