Real Madrid representatives watched Ayyoub Bouaddi in action during Morocco’s friendly match against Brazil on 14 June, intensifying speculation over a potential move for the Lille midfielder. The Spanish club have identified the 18-year-old as a priority target as they seek to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.
According to reports, Los Blancos have yet to submit a formal bid to Lille. However, they understand that any negotiation will require a significant financial commitment. Lille value Bouaddi at a minimum of €70 million, reflecting his status as one of the most promising young talents in French football. The midfielder is under contract with Les Dogues until 2029, giving the Ligue 1 side a strong negotiating position and no immediate pressure to cash in on their academy graduate.
Bouaddi enjoyed a breakthrough campaign during the 2025-26 season, making 42 appearances in all competitions under manager Bruno Genesio. While primarily featuring in midfield, he contributed one assist across those outings, demonstrating his durability and tactical flexibility at senior level despite his age. His consistent availability throughout the season suggests a player capable of handling the physical demands of top-tier football.
The teenager recently made a significant decision regarding his international future, opting to represent Morocco rather than France. This choice has already seen him feature for the Atlas Lions, with his display against Brazil providing Real Madrid scouts with a direct opportunity to assess his capabilities against high-level opposition outside of domestic competition.
With Bouaddi tied to a long-term deal and Lille under no pressure to sell, Real Madrid face a complex negotiation should they wish to secure his signature. Several other top European clubs have also registered interest in the midfielder, which could complicate any prospective transfer and potentially drive the final fee beyond the current valuation. For now, the approach remains at the scouting stage, with no concrete offer on the table.