City are preparing to sign three more midfielders as Enzo Maresca looks to build on a busy January window, according to Simon Bajkowski.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to arrive regardless of what happens elsewhere in the squad, with City long-standing admirers of the Morocco international after his performances at the World Cup. Bajkowski also reports that Tijjani Reijnders and/or Rodri will be moved on and replaced as part of the same push.
It marks a shift from City’s position weeks ago, when Maresca was said to be ready to give Reijnders time to prove himself following a stop-start first season after his move from AC Milan. Rodri’s contract situation, entering its final year with Real Madrid’s interest persistent, appears to have changed the calculus.
City have already added Elliot Anderson this summer as part of the midfield rebuild, with the England international viewed as a long-term backbone alongside Rodri, whatever his future holds. Bouaddi’s versatility — he has featured in defensive midfield, at right-back and at centre-back for Lille — has been compared to what John Stones used to offer within the system.
Maresca has been careful in public not to encourage Rodri’s exit, calling him “an exceptional player” this summer, though the midfielder is currently recovering from back surgery. Real Madrid’s interest has not gone away, and City appear to be preparing for multiple outcomes rather than banking on keeping their squad intact.
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