Real Madrid sends scouts to watch Bouaddi in Morocco vs Scotland clash

Real Madrid emissaries travelled to Boston on Friday evening to watch Ayyoub Bouaddi during the match between Morocco and Scotland (1-0), according to journalist Rubén Martin of Spanish newspaper AS. The 18-year-old LOSC midfielder is among the most sought-after targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid’s interest is not new. Journalist Abdellah Boulma confirms that the Madrid club has been following the player’s progress “for quite some time now, just like several other major European clubs”. Several Premier League sides and PSG are also in the running, which seriously complicates LOSC’s task in keeping their player.

Olivier Giroud, Bouaddi’s teammate in the Morocco national team, delivered an eloquent testimony this week about the young midfielder’s potential. “I was impressed by his maturity and by his entourage, which is really healthy… He’s a very complete player”, said the former striker. Giroud did, however, point out a priority area for improvement: “The only thing he needs to improve — and he knows it because we tell him a lot — is his finishing. Being more aggressive in front of goal. If he manages that, then he’ll play for Real Madrid next season.”

This public statement from a player of Giroud’s stature illustrates just how much Bouaddi is already regarded, at 18, as a safe bet in Moroccan and European football. LOSC, which had already had to manage pressure from top clubs before the World Cup, approaches the summer transfer window in a delicate position facing such dense competition.