After Cucurella, Florentino advances in the signing of the 'new' Pedri

Ayyoub Bouaddi has become the next big target on Real Madrid's transfer agenda. The white club has just completed a major defensive overhaul, but now Valdebebas is looking towards the midfield. The emergence of the young Moroccan in the 2026 World Cup has accelerated all reports. His performance against Brazil confirmed that the Lille player is ready for a significant leap.

Ayyoub Bouaddi fits into the new Real Madrid

Real Madrid wants to continue rejuvenating a squad that has already received significant reinforcements. After Cucurella, Dumfries, and Konaté, the priority now is to find a midfielder with vision. This is where Ayyoub Bouaddi comes in, an 18-year-old player who combines physicality, composure, and an uncommon maturity. He is not just a promising talent but a player with the reading ability of a veteran.

Florentino Pérez and José Mourinho particularly value his ability to organize the game. Real Madrid is looking for someone who can complement Bernardo Silva and provide balance to a team with many offensive pieces.

The price won't be low. In France, the operation is estimated between 50 and 60 million euros, although Lille might toughen its stance if the global exposure from the World Cup continues to raise his value.

Lille knows they have a gem from the 2026 World Cup

Lille is aware that Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of their biggest assets. His contract running until 2029 allows them to negotiate from a strong position without needing to accept the first significant offer. The French club has already seen several European giants approaching. Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, and Liverpool have also been monitoring his progress, but Real Madrid aims to preempt them.

The 2026 World Cup has amplified the buzz around the midfielder. Morocco fielded him as a starter against Brazil, and the young player responded with personality, precision in passing, and a composure unusual for his age.

Ayyoub Bouaddi did not shy away at any point in the game. He demanded the ball, supported the team, and displayed great ease in playing under pressure against a Brazilian team full of stars.

Ayyoub Bouaddi is sensational— he’s just 18 pic.twitter.com/EaqXY7Mw5p

— Kobi (@UTDKobi) June 14, 2026

Real Madrid wants to avoid an auction

Real Madrid knows that waiting could be expensive. Each of Morocco's matches in the 2026 World Cup could raise Ayyoub Bouaddi's price and attract more cash-rich clubs. That's why at the Santiago Bernabéu, they are considering making a move soon. The idea is to have the deal on track before the market enters a challenging auction phase hard to control.

Lille will not give away their great talent. The French club understands that they have a modern midfielder on their hands, with skill, physicality, and a potential that could define the next decade.

For Real Madrid, this move would make sense both in terms of sports and strategy. The club has succeeded in France with operations like those of Camavinga and Tchouaméni, and Bouaddi fits into that same market approach. The comparison is not far-fetched. It's about signing before the player's price becomes unattainable, even if he is no longer a cheap opportunity for any European club.

Ayyoub Bouaddi could be the next coup for Real Madrid after strengthening the defense. Lille is gearing up for tough negotiations, and the 2026 World Cup has turned the Moroccan into one of the hottest prospects of the summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tras Cucurella, Florentino avanza el fichaje del "nuevo" Pedri