Mourinho rejects Real Madrid move for World Cup wonderkid despite positive scouting reports

Mourinho rejects Real Madrid move for World Cup wonderkid despite positive scouting reports

Real Madrid’s search for a new midfielder has taken another important turn, with Jose Mourinho deciding against pursuing one of the most exciting young talents at the 2026 World Cup.

The player in question is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the highly-rated Lille midfielder who has been attracting attention across Europe with his performances for Morocco. 

Real Madrid have closely monitored the teenager for months and continued to assess him during the World Cup, but recent developments suggest the club is now moving in a different direction.

According to AS, Mourinho has made it clear that Bouaddi does not fit the profile he wants for his current project, prompting Real Madrid to prioritise more experienced alternatives in the transfer market.

Real Madrid cool interest in Bouaddi

Bouaddi has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a considerable period.

Real Madrid have scouted Bouaddi during the World Cup. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In fact, chief scout Juni Calafat has followed the youngster’s development closely, viewing him as one of the most promising midfield prospects in European football. 

The club’s recruitment department has continued gathering information throughout the season, while his performances with Morocco have only strengthened his growing reputation.

Recent reports even suggested that Calafat was present during Morocco’s World Cup clash against Brazil to continue evaluating the midfielder in a high-pressure environment.

Although the admiration for Bouaddi’s talent remains unquestioned, talent alone is not enough to guarantee a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

This is because Mourinho has reservations about investing heavily in another young player when his priority is immediate competitiveness.

Mourinho wants experience, not long-term project

According to the outlet, the Portuguese manager believes Real Madrid’s current squad requires proven performers rather than additional development projects.

Mourinho does not want Bouaddi at Real Madrid. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While Bouaddi’s potential is undeniable, Mourinho is said to prefer players who have already established themselves.

His vision for the squad is centred on creating a strong core of experienced players around whom younger talents can continue developing.

That philosophy helps explain why Bouaddi has fallen behind other candidates on the club’s shortlist.

Another important factor is the financial side of the operation, as Lille value their prized asset at around €70 million, a figure that further complicates any potential move. 

Although Real Madrid recognise the midfielder’s immense upside, committing such a significant fee to an 18-year-old remains a difficult decision, especially when more experienced options are available.