- Ayyoub Bouaddi waved goodbye to Lille supporters on Sunday ahead of his impending move to Manchester City
- Real Madrid have rejected Lille’s approach for 19-year-old Thiago Pitarch, who had been identified as a potential Bouaddi replacement
- Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel has been earmarked as Lille’s priority target, and a new bid is expected during the current transfer window
Bouaddi Departure Gives Lille a Major Midfield Gap to Fill
Lille are preparing for life without Ayyoub Bouaddi after the Morocco international said farewell to the club’s supporters on Sunday before his expected switch to Manchester City.
The financial scale of the deal has been described in different terms across reports. It is understood in one account that the transfer will be worth over €100m, giving Les Dogues room to manoeuvre as they search for a successor. According to Sportingpedia sources, the move is set to be worth an initial €95 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Bouaddi’s exit leaves Lille needing a midfielder capable of replacing one of Europe’s most valuable young players, and the club have already explored multiple routes in the market.
🚨 LE REAL MADRID REPOUSSE LILLE POUR THIAGO PITARCH 🇪🇸 !! ❌
Le LOSC a approché le milieu de 19 ans, priorité pour remplacer Bouaddi 🇲🇦.
Refus du Real : le joueur vient de prolonger et le club compte sur lui.
(@MarioCortegana) pic.twitter.com/6Iex5Qc5WX
— Actu Ligue 1 (@ActuL1_) August 24, 2026
Real Madrid Shut Down Lille’s Move for Thiago Pitarch
Real Madrid have taken a clear stance on Thiago Pitarch, rejecting Lille’s approach for the 19-year-old midfielder.
The Ligue 1 side viewed Pitarch as a possible solution following Bouaddi’s expected move to Manchester City. He had become a leading candidate for Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti, who has a strong history with Real Madrid.
Pitarch’s profile made him an attractive target. He already has first-team experience at Santiago Bernabeu and enjoyed a notable breakthrough last season, becoming Real Madrid’s youngest player to feature in a Champions League quarter-final.
However, Real Madrid have no intention of allowing him to leave. The midfielder recently signed an improved contract, and the decision to reject Lille’s approach reflects how his status at the club has shifted in recent weeks.
Zechiel Becomes Lille’s Priority Target
With Real Madrid closing the door on Pitarch, Lille’s attention may now centre on Gjivai Zechiel. The 22-year-old Feyenoord midfielder has been earmarked as the priority target as LOSC seek to replace Bouaddi.
Zechiel is a Dutch U21 international and has started the season in productive form. In three games this season, he has scored three goals and provided one assist.
Lille’s interest in Zechiel is not new, but a fresh bid is now expected. The player himself is keen on a move to the Ligue 1 club during the current transfer window.
