Lille have contacted Real Madrid about the possible signing of midfielder Jorge Cestero as they prepare for the expected departure of Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi to Manchester City.
Negotiations between Manchester City and Lille over Bouaddi have made significant progress, with the main terms of a deal understood to be nearing completion. Lille are now examining potential replacements for the 18-year-old, whose performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup have led to a substantial rise in his market value.
The northern French club have not hidden their financial expectations for Bouaddi and believe the young midfielder could command a fee of more than €100m.
According to Marca, Lille have already opened discussions with Real Madrid over Cestero, a 20-year-old who currently plays for Real Madrid Castilla and is regarded as one of the leading emerging talents in the club’s academy.
Cestero has attracted considerable attention at Real Madrid, with his former coach Alvaro Arbeloa describing him as “the best defensive midfielder in Spain”. The assessment underlines the standing the Zaragoza-born player has built within the Spanish club.
He joined Real Madrid in 2019 and has gradually established himself through his tactical intelligence, technical ability and influence in the centre of midfield. Cestero is considered more than a player whose principal strength is winning the ball. His modern style allows him to break through defensive lines, cope with pressure and add impetus to his team’s attacks.
Real Madrid are monitoring his progress closely and have not ruled out the possibility of him moving into the first team in the medium term. Cestero is under contract until 2028.
He has also had opportunities to train alongside Real Madrid’s senior players. During the period when Xabi Alonso was in charge, Cestero took part in several first-team sessions before Arbeloa handed him his senior debut against Benfica in the Champions League.
His maturity, despite his age, and his impact in Castilla’s midfield have increased expectations around his future. For Lille, Cestero appears to fit the profile of the player they want to recruit: a young talent with significant potential who can develop quickly in a competitive environment.
A loan move could also be considered. Such an arrangement would suit Lille’s policy of helping promising young players develop, while also matching Real Madrid’s strategy of giving academy prospects more regular exposure to professional football.
The proposed move comes as Lille prepare for a significant period of change. The club are beginning a new chapter with Davide Ancelotti taking over as head coach and are active in the summer transfer market.
Several important players have already left, including Chancel Mbemba, Issa Mandi and Thomas Meunier, as well as young player Ogo Rajauber. Those departures have increased the pressure on the club’s management to accelerate its rebuilding work.
Lille are aiming to assemble a squad capable of meeting their stated ambitions, particularly with the club set to compete in the Champions League. Replacing Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of the most prominent young players in European football, will therefore be a central part of their recruitment plans.
Cestero’s possible arrival would give Lille another developing midfielder while allowing Real Madrid to retain an interest in a player they believe could eventually challenge for a place in their senior side.
