Those who followed Morocco's World Cup campaign will recognise Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Lille midfielder dominated Brazil's midfield, catching Carlo Ancelotti's eye. He made his Lille debut at 16 and his full Champions League debut at 17, helping beat Real Madrid. Ancelotti called him 'one of the best young players in the world'.

Manchester City are signing Bouaddi to soften the blow of Rodri's expected exit. Bouaddi, still 18, out-ranked every Lille team-mate for possession wins (151) last season. Manager Enzo Maresca wants him integrated immediately, believing he is Premier League-ready after close to 100 competitive appearances.

Bouaddi functions as a deep-lying controller, similar to Rodri. He is a tactical anchor, complementing box-to-box Elliot Anderson, signed for £116m. Bouaddi's blend of physicality, poise, and ball-carrying ability suits City's possession style. He has very few weaknesses and is ready for now, not just the future.