Youssef Lekhedim, a standout performer for Real Madrid Castilla this season, could be the next young Moroccan talent to earn a La Liga opportunity, with Deportivo Alavés reportedly lining up a loan move for the 2025–2026 campaign.
Known by his nickname “Yusi,” the 20-year-old left-back has been a consistent presence for Real Madrid’s reserve team, making 35 appearances, scoring once, and contributing four assists.
His sharp football intelligence and reliable performances did not go unnoticed by the senior coaching staff, earning him six call-ups to the Real Madrid bench in La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite extending his contract with the Spanish giants until 2028, Real Madrid are believed to be open to a loan move for the rising star. The club sees this as a calculated step to ensure Lekhedim gains valuable first-team experience and continues his development, particularly in a position that has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
According to transfer specialist Matteo Moretto, Alavés have identified Lekhedim as a priority target to strengthen their squad’s left flank. The Basque side, who finished 15th in La Liga last season, have embraced a long-term strategy centred on nurturing young talent.
That policy could pave the way for Lekhedim to follow a path similar to Adam Aznou—another promising Moroccan player loaned by Bayern Munich to Real Valladolid in the second half of the 2024–2025 season.
For Alavés, securing Lekhedim would represent not just an investment in youth, but a potentially decisive upgrade in a key defensive area. For Lekhedim, the move could offer regular top-flight minutes and a chance to further solidify his place in Morocco’s national setup.
The defender’s international career took a significant turn in March 2024 when he received his first senior call-up from Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui. Previously a Spain U17 international, Lekhedim has since embraced his Moroccan heritage, becoming an official member of the Atlas Lions.
However, maintaining a spot in a competitive national squad requires consistent match exposure at the highest level—something a loan to Alavés could help secure.
The potential move carries echoes of Achraf Hakimi’s early trajectory. Like Lekhedim, Hakimi began at Real Madrid and went on loan to gain experience, eventually blossoming into one of Morocco’s most pivotal players. While it is premature to draw direct comparisons, the pathway laid out for Lekhedim is familiar—and promising.
Should the deal materialise, Lekhedim would not only take an important step forward in his personal career but also potentially emerge as a crucial figure for both club and country.
A season with Alavés could provide the platform he needs to mature into a top-level full-back, just as Real Madrid and Morocco begin to look toward the next generation of leaders on the pitch.
🚨 Alavés have identified Castilla’s left-back and wing-back Youssef Enriquez ‘Yusi’ as their target to strengthen the left side of their defence. @MatteMoretto pic.twitter.com/4ghBdnS2cg
— Real Madrid Fabrica (@FabricaMadrid) May 29, 2025
