Real Madrid are interested in 18-year-old talent Ayyoub Bouaddi following his success at the World Cup

World Championships always introduce the world to new names in sports that they may not have heard of before. One of the clearest examples of this was Argentina's Enzo Fernandez at the 2022 World Cup, who then played for Benfica. His superb performances led to Chelsea spending a large sum on him the following season and he is now being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

This World Cup has also produced a wealth of talent and one of them is Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old, who had previously represented France at youth level, changed his sporting preferences to play for Morocco and made an immediate impact against Brazil. Although he was not officially named man of the match, it was hard not to notice that he was the best on the field.


Interest in Bouaddi has certainly increased since the match and according to AS, he has come to Real Madrid's attention as a potential transfer. The club is looking for a new midfielder, with Enzo Fernandez and Matus Fernandez also among the candidates. If Bouaddi continues to impress at the tournament, it is possible that other clubs in Europe will begin to hunt for him. Real Madrid are doing their homework and that's exactly what they should do before investing heavily in a midfielder.

Enzo Fernandez can offer proven experience at a high level and Matus looks like a serious option in the market, but Bouaddi represents a different strategy: youth, potential and perhaps longer-term fit. Jose Mourinho clearly has a need in midfield and Real Madrid are considering different profiles before making a decision. The 18-year-old may not be a finished product yet, but his potential is extremely high and he will definitely be a player the Portuguese manager can work with. If Real Madrid decides to go through with the deal, they will have to compete with other clubs and it remains to be seen how things develop.