Walid El Bouradi: Italy-Morocco midfielder joins Lecce U20 on loan from Al-Ain FC U21

Italy-Morocco midfielder Walid El Bouradi has joined Lecce U20 on loan from Al-Ain FC U21. The 19-year-old central midfielder has signed on for the 2026-27 campaign, strengthening Lecce’s Primavera 1 squad.

El Bouradi arrives in Salento having spent last season in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Ain’s U21 side, whom he joined in September 2025 after a brief spell without a club. His move to Lecce is a straight loan transfer, with his registration due to return to Al-Ain at the end of the deal.

Born on 8 February 2007, the right-footed midfielder stands at 1.83m and is primarily deployed in central midfield. He will be registered with Lecce’s Primavera setup, with his contract at the club running until 30 June 2027, covering the duration of his youth eligibility.

Before moving to Al-Ain, El Bouradi came through the ranks at Udinese, progressing from the youth categories into the U17 and U20 teams. Across Italian youth competitions, including Primavera 1 and the Coppa Primavera, he has already accumulated more than 50 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing several assists while gaining experience in league, play-off and cup football.

This loan marks El Bouradi’s return to Italian youth football after his spell abroad, with Lecce U20 securing his services from Al-Ain FC U21 for the upcoming Primavera 1 season.