Walid El Bouradi: Italy-Morocco midfielder at Al-Ain FC U21 linked with Lecce move

Italy-Morocco midfielder Walid El Bouradi of Al-Ain FC U21 is being linked with a move to Serie A side Lecce as the Italian club assess options to strengthen their central midfield. The 19-year-old, who is under contract with the Emirati club until 30 June 2027, has emerged as a potential recruit ahead of the new campaign.

El Bouradi, a right-footed central midfielder standing at 1.83m, left Udineses youth system last year before joining Al-Ains U21 set-up on 20 September 2025. His development in Italys youth leagues has made him a familiar name to Serie A scouts, and Lecce are understood to be monitoring his situation closely rather than moving immediately for more established senior options.

During his most recent full season in Italys Primavera 1, El Bouradi made 28 appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists, underlining his ability to contribute in the final third from midfield over significant minutes. He also featured in domestic youth cup and play-off fixtures, adding further experience in competitive environments before his switch to the United Arab Emirates.

For Al-Ain FC U21, El Bouradi is tied to a deal running through to the summer of 2027, meaning any move to Lecce would require an agreement with the Emirati club rather than a free transfer. At this stage, the Italian side are weighing up whether to translate their interest into a formal approach as they plan around both immediate needs and medium-term squad building.