Ligue 1 club will demand at least €70 million for Real Madrid midfield target – report

Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as one of the breakout stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco, impressing in both their matches against Brazil and Scotland.

The 18-year-old Lille wonderkid’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid taking a keen interest in him.

Los Blancos have had their eye on the teenager for some time now, and the club chief scout, Juni Calafat, was in attendance for Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil, where the midfielder won the MVP award.

Real Madrid also had scouts present to watch Bouaddi in action in the subsequent game against Scotland.

Bouaddi to cost at least €70 million

Now, according to Patrick Berger of Sky Germany, Real Madrid have become very interested in signing Bouaddi after watching him closely at the World Cup.

Making a big impression at the World Cup. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Merengues will continue to monitor his progress with Morocco at the tournament, but have seen enough to consider making a move for him this summer.

However, as per the report, the youngster’s club, Lille are demanding a sum of at least €70 million in order to sell their prized asset.

Despite being only 18 years old, the youngster has already made nearly 100 appearances for the Lille first team, while he has five caps for Morocco.

The fact that Bouaddi has a long-term contract with the Ligue 1 club until the summer of 2029 puts them in a strong negotiating position.

Bouaddi will not come cheap. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)

Moreover, with the midfielder also attracting interest from other top clubs, including PSG, the asking price could grow steeper.

Ball in Real Madrid’s court

In recent transfer windows, Real Madrid have shown they are not afraid of investing in talent and potential.

Jude Bellingham was signed for a massive initial fee of €103 million with close to €30 million in variables, while Endrick arrived from Brazil in a deal worth €60 million, including add-ons

Only last summer, Franco Mastantuono was brought in from River Plate for a total fee of €63 million, including taxes and commissions.

At €70 million, Bouaddi would likely be cheaper compared to Real Madrid’s other midfield targets – Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United.

What now remains to be seen is whether the Merengues consider Bouaddi a similar level of talent and are prepared to go the extra mile to secure his services from Lille.