Real Madrid close in on Rodri as Bouaddi move could unlock deal

Real Madrid are closing in on Rodri, with the Spain midfielder expected to leave Manchester City provided the club can sign Ayyoub Bouaddi as his replacement. Reports in Spain say Real are prepared to pay between €65m and €75m for the 30-year-old, who would sign a four-year contract under Jose Mourinho. The transfer, however, depends on Manchester City convincing Lille to sell Bouaddi. Lille president Olivier Letang insists the 18-year-old Morocco international is not for sale at the price City want to pay. He says no final agreement has been reached and that the offers submitted so far have not been satisfactory. Bouaddi, a product of Lille's youth system with 96 appearances for the club, is valued at around €100m. He also impressed at the World Cup in North America, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals. That standstill has left Real waiting to complete their own business ahead of the 2026-27 La Liga season. The Bernabeu club have already signed Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate since Mourinho returned as head coach. Rodri has been a defining figure for City since joining from Atletico Madrid in July 2019. He has made 298 appearances and scored 28 goals, helping the club win 13 trophies under previous manager Pep Guardiola, including a treble in 2022-23. The midfielder won the Ballon d'Or in 2024. On the international stage, Rodri has won 70 caps for Spain. Last month he captained Spain to World Cup glory, adding to his Euro 2024 title and the 2023 Nations League crown.