Real Madrid's midfield gap fuels €80m chase for Bouaddi

Real Madrid, having already added four new signings this summer—including a midfielder linked to Bernardo Silva—are still hunting for a midfield reinforcement, and the club’s radar now focuses on 18‑year‑old Moroccan breakout Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose World Cup performances have sparked €80 million interest. According to AS, the Lille midfielder has drawn attention from Paris Saint‑Germain, FC Barcelona and a number of Premier League clubs, placing him at the centre of a crowded European chase. The move is not a priority for manager Jose Mourinho, but Los Blancos continue to monitor the situation. Lille value Bouaddi at roughly €80 million and have made clear they are not in a hurry to sell. The club’s negotiating position is bolstered by Bouaddi’s contract extension until 2029.

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Lille’s reputation for commanding large transfer sums is underscored by past deals for Eden Hazard, Victor Osimhen, Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Magalhães, Sven Botman, Leny Yoro and Carlos Baleba. These precedents suggest the French side will aim for a comparable fee. Real Madrid must also consider their current midfield congestion, with stars such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni already on the books. Clarifying the future of those players is a prerequisite before committing to another high‑profile signing. Bouaddi’s age, technical profile and recent international breakthrough align with Madrid’s long‑term recruitment strategy, which favours elite young talent. The club faces a decision on whether to prioritise an €80 million investment now or wait for the market to evolve. The main obstacles remain the steep price tag and the imminent competition from other top clubs, meaning Lille could hold out for a better offer or retain the player for the 2026‑27 Champions League campaign. Madrid will need to resolve these factors quickly as the upcoming season approaches.