Lille consider Real Madrid prospect Jorge Cestero as Ayoub Bouaddi departure nears

Lille have opened discussions with Real Madrid over a possible deal for Castilla midfielder Jorge Cestero as they prepare for the expected departure of Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi.

Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement with Lille for the 18-year-old, with negotiations having made significant progress and the main terms of the transfer now being finalised.

Bouaddi’s likely move has prompted Lille to identify a potential replacement, with Cestero emerging as a player who could offer similar qualities to the highly rated Morocco midfielder.

The summer transfer window is proving particularly active for Lille, who are preparing to begin a new chapter under head coach Davide Ancelotti. The northern French club had enjoyed several seasons of stability but are now undergoing a significant transition.

Key players including Chancel Mbemba, Aissa Mandi and Thomas Meunier have left, while the young Ogo Rajouber has also departed. Those exits have increased the pressure on Lille’s recruitment team to assemble a squad capable of meeting the club’s stated ambitions, particularly with Champions League football on the schedule.

Bouaddi, who is 18, has established himself as one of the most prominent young talents in European football. His impressive performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup have led to a dramatic rise in his market value in recent months.

Lille have not concealed their substantial financial expectations for the midfielder and believe his value could exceed 100m euros. Manchester City are now very close to securing his signature, with the two clubs understood to be working towards completing the final details of the agreement.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Lille have already contacted Real Madrid to explore the possibility of signing Cestero.

The 20-year-old currently plays for Real Madrid Castilla and is regarded as one of the leading emerging talents within the club’s academy. His former coach Alvaro Arbeloa described him as “the best defensive midfielder in Spain”, underlining the high regard in which the Zaragoza-born player is held at Real Madrid.

Cestero joined Real Madrid in 2019 and has gradually strengthened his position through his reading of the game, technical ability and capacity to control midfield from a deep position.

He is not limited to winning possession. Cestero also has the modern qualities needed to break through defensive lines, withstand pressure from opponents and add energy to his side’s attacking play.

Real Madrid are monitoring his development closely and have not ruled out a possible move into the first-team squad in the medium term. Cestero is contracted to the club until 2028.

He has already had the opportunity to work nearer to the first team, at the time managed by Xabi Alonso, taking part in several training sessions alongside Real Madrid’s senior players. Arbeloa later gave him his first-team debut against Benfica in the Champions League.

His maturity despite his age, combined with his influence in the Castilla midfield, has increased expectations surrounding his future.

For Lille, the apparent interest in Cestero reflects a desire to recruit a young player with characteristics similar to Bouaddi: a high-potential talent capable of developing quickly in a competitive environment.

A loan move could also be considered. Such an arrangement would fit Lille’s policy of supporting the development of promising young players, while also matching Real Madrid’s strategy of giving their prospects more opportunities to gain experience in senior football.