Manchester City are in active negotiations with Lille over the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Ligue 1 club has seen the player's stock rise further after the World Cup, but the lofty price tag has not deterred City's sporting director Hugo Viana.
This is one of several significant pieces of business City must complete before new coach Enzo Maresca begins pre-season training. The first players return on Monday, but Maresca has made clear more additions are needed.
Weekly Q&A with Chief City Writer
To address fan questions, we are hosting a weekly Q&A session with chief City writer Simon Bajkowski. Fans can submit questions on the transfer window, Bouaddi, Rodri, and the 115 charges hanging over City's transfer activity.
Fan Question: Do Big Signings Indicate a Positive Outcome for Charges?
Gary asked: "In light of all City’s spending with big players being added, does that give an indication of the positive outcome for the outstanding charges against them? Surely top players would not join a team with the possibility of relegation."
Bajkowski responded: "It is a good question. For those charges, it would not just be City who would have broken the rules but partners and auditors—which is more difficult to believe and to prove. Similarly, it is one thing for City to tell prospective signings that they will be cleared and another for so many to trust them, especially because other clubs have raised the charges in attempts to sway players away from City."
"Signings like Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo, and Elliot Anderson make clear that there has not been a verdict delivered. Unlike conspiracy theories, City and the Premier League are not sitting on a final reckoning. In the absence of proven wrongdoing, City continue business as usual. The club is confident they will be cleared, and that confidence must be matched by players for them to join."
Fan Question: Interest in Bruno Guimaraes or Enzo Fernandez?
Andy Marshall asked: "When are City going to buy world-class players? Why not Enzo Fernandez? We need a big statement."
Bajkowski: "Bruno Guimaraes is a player City have consistently liked but not enough to move for. He wasn't seen as young enough a few years ago, and as he has aged, he is no less expensive. Spending £116m on Elliot Anderson feels more valuable than around £100m on Guimaraes. Enzo Fernandez is more interesting, as is Malo Gusto at Chelsea. City distanced themselves from both earlier this summer—Fernandez in a full stop way, Gusto over a £75m price tag. But with Maresca in charge and Chelsea always open to sales, those two are worth watching. Fernandez has added to his value at the World Cup."
Update on Ayyoub Bouaddi
MCFC9320 asked: "What is the update on Bouaddi to City?"
Bajkowski: "Ayyoub Bouaddi feels like the next player through the door if City can get it done. Negotiations with Lille are active, and Hugo Viana has not been put off by a valuation of around £85m and the Lille president stating his preference that Bouaddi stays in Ligue 1 for one more year. Lille are open to selling if the right offer comes in. City are leading the race for Bouaddi's signature. If they get it done, expect it sooner rather than later."
Is City Slow in the Market?
Peter Bebor asked: "It looks like City is slow on the market."
Bajkowski: "It does and it doesn't. They have a lot of work to do, and it will be an extremely busy final six weeks. Both incomings and outgoings need addressing, with at least three more major signings expected. At the same time, Anderson is through the door, and none of City's rivals have sprung to life yet with lots on hold during the World Cup. So City could be said to be ahead. Some disruption for the start of the season is expected, but the next four weeks will be crucial."
Rodri Contract and Fitness Update
Two fans asked about Rodri: Sam Sialuya asked for an update, and Motshubi asked if the club will renew Rodri's contract given he is now 30.
Bajkowski: "The club would love to renew Rodri's contract regardless of his age. City have often given contracts to older players. You make exceptions for Rodri when he plays like he did in the semi-final against France. That was his best performance since his injury nearly two years ago and backs up Pep Guardiola's belief that he is returning to his high level. City have backed those words with contract offers, and Rodri knows exactly what is on offer. He has said there will be updates after the World Cup. Some minor surgery is planned. City will want a decision wrapped up soon, but if Rodri does not want to extend, the second best option is keeping him for another year rather than selling."
