Moroccan left-back Youssef Enriquez Lekhedim has completed a permanent transfer from Real Madrid to Deportivo Alavés, signing a four-year contract that ties him to the Basque club until June 2029.
Alavés confirmed the acquisition of the 19-year-old on Wednesday, describing him as a “promising” addition to their squad ahead of the new La Liga season.
The club, having secured promotion to Spain’s top flight, will look to bolster its backline with the addition of Lekhedim, whose development at Real Madrid marked him as one of the more exciting prospects in his age group.
“Deportivo Alavés has formalized the signing of promising left-back Youssef Enríquez, who will be tied to the club until June 2029,” the club said in a statement.
Lekhedim, a product of Madrid’s prestigious youth academy, rose through the ranks at Valdebebas and eventually became a key figure for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side.
Last season, he featured in 35 matches, scoring once and assisting four times, showcasing both his defensive solidity and attacking contribution from the flanks.
Despite not yet making his competitive debut for the senior team, Lekhedim has been on the fringes of the first-team setup, having received multiple call-ups from head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
His performances in training and reserve matches earned him a place in several matchday squads, hinting at the high regard in which he was held by the Madrid coaching staff.
The Moroccan international also featured in Real Madrid’s squad for the Club World Cup earlier this year, under the guidance of former player and current coach Xabi Alonso, who temporarily led the group during the tournament.
Although his on-field minutes were limited, the experience added another layer of exposure to top-level football for the young full-back.
Born to Moroccan heritage and capped at youth level by the North African nation, Lekhedim is considered one of the brightest emerging talents in Moroccan football.
His move to Alavés offers the prospect of regular first-team football in La Liga—an essential step in his development.
With Alavés eager to establish themselves in the top tier following their promotion, Lekhedim’s arrival represents a strategic investment in youth and potential.
The coming season will now offer the young defender the platform to transition from a promising academy graduate into a consistent top-flight performer.
