Real Madrid tracking 18-year-old midfield sensation tipped by Zinedine Zidane – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s summer transfer business may already include four major arrivals, but the club’s search for elite young talent remains as active as ever. 

According to a report from Miguel Serrano, Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the emerging names being closely followed by the Spanish giants.

The journalist suggests that the 18-year-old has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, with scouts regularly monitoring his development in France. 

While Mourinho continues to strengthen his squad with established players, the club’s recruitment department is simultaneously working on identifying the next generation of stars.

Bouaddi fits that profile perfectly. Despite still being in the early stages of his career, the midfielder has already established himself as one of the most promising young players in European football.

Why are Real Madrid so impressed?

Bouaddi has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign, making 42 appearances despite being only 18 years old. 

Ayyoub Bouaddi played a fantastic match against Brazil. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)

His maturity on the pitch has become one of the qualities most admired by those tracking his progress.

Real Madrid scouts have been particularly impressed by the way he handles high-pressure situations and competes against experienced opponents, something that was made evident against Brazil at the World Cup. 

His performances against midfielders such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes strengthened the belief that he possesses qualities rarely seen in players his age.

The club view him as a footballer capable of controlling games through intelligence, positioning and technical ability rather than relying solely on physical attributes.

The report also notes that Zinedine Zidane has played a role in drawing attention to the midfielder’s development.

Given Zidane’s close knowledge of French football and youth development pathways, his positive assessment naturally carries weight inside Real Madrid circles.

Real Madrid face growing competition

Real Madrid have monitored Ayyoub Bouaddi. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While Real Madrid’s interest is genuine, securing Bouaddi will be far from straightforward.

According to Serrano, several major European clubs are also monitoring the teenager’s situation, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain credited with an interest.

This creates what could become one of the most competitive transfer battles involving a young midfielder in the coming months.

So far, Real Madrid’s transfer activity has largely focused on proven performers capable of strengthening Mourinho’s squad immediately. 

Bouaddi, meanwhile, represents a different type of investment – one aimed more at the future than the present.