Lille have contacted Real Madrid to explore a deal for young midfielder Jorge Cestero as they prepare for the expected departure of Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi.
Bouaddi is reportedly close to joining Manchester City, with negotiations between the Premier League club and Lille having made significant progress. The main terms of the transfer have been settled, according to the report, although the final details are still being completed.
The move would leave Lille searching for a replacement for one of European football’s most highly rated emerging midfielders. The 18-year-old has seen his market value rise sharply in recent months after making a strong impression internationally with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
Lille have made no secret of their ambitious financial expectations for Bouaddi and believe the player could command a fee of more than 100m euros.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Lille have already opened discussions with Real Madrid over Cestero, a 20-year-old midfielder currently playing for Real Madrid Castilla. He has attracted considerable attention within the club’s academy and is regarded as one of its leading young prospects.
Cestero’s 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.
He joined the Spanish club in 2019 and has gradually established himself through his understanding of the game, technical ability and influence at the base of midfield. His qualities extend beyond winning possession: he is also capable of progressing the ball, breaking through defensive lines, coping with pressure and adding momentum to his team’s attacks.
Real Madrid are monitoring his development closely and have not ruled out the possibility of him progressing to the first team in the medium term.
Cestero is under contract until 2028. During his development, he was given the opportunity to train alongside Real Madrid’s senior players when the team was coached by Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa later handed him his first-team debut against Benfica in the Champions League.
His maturity, despite his age, and his influence in the centre of midfield for Castilla have increased expectations about what he can achieve at the club.
Lille are now preparing for a significant period of change under their new head coach, Davide Ancelotti. The French club had enjoyed several seasons of stability but are facing a major reshaping of their squad this summer.
Key players including Chancel Mbemba, Aissa Mandi and Thomas Meunier have left, while young player Ugo Raghouber has also departed. Those exits have increased the urgency for Lille’s directors to assemble a squad capable of meeting the club’s stated ambitions, particularly with Champions League football ahead.
A move for Cestero would fit Lille’s preference for recruiting young players with considerable potential who can develop quickly in a competitive environment. The club could also consider a loan agreement, an option that would suit Lille’s policy of helping promising youngsters progress while also aligning with Real Madrid’s approach of securing more regular senior football for their emerging talents.
