Latest news with #Lakhdim
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Real Madrid's Youssef Lakhdim Pushing for Alavés Loan Move
Real Madrid defender Youssef Lakhdim is keen to leave the club this summer in search of more playing time and has agreed a loan move to Deportivo Alavés, according to Africa Foot . The 18-year-old Moroccan international, frustrated with his current situation at the club, has asked to be allowed to move on. His agent reportedly approached Madrid officials with a proposal for a season-long loan, aiming to give the left-back a chance to play regularly at the top level. Alavés have agreed to cover his full salary until the end of the upcoming season, making the deal financially straightforward for Real Madrid. Lakhdim has been part of La Fábrica, the club's academy, since 2017 after spells at Rayo Vallecano, Moratalaz, and Getafe. Born in Madrid to a Moroccan mother and a Spanish father, he is eligible for both national teams but currently represents Morocco. The left-back has yet to make his senior debut but was included in Real Madrid's first-team squad several times this season. Most of his minutes came with the U19 side, where he impressed in domestic competition and the UEFA Youth League. Sources close to the player say Lakhdim has looked to Achraf Hakimi's career path as inspiration. Like Hakimi, who left Real Madrid at 18 to gain first-team experience at Borussia Dortmund, Lakhdim hopes a move away will help him develop both technically and physically. 'He understands now that following Hakimi's example is the way forward,' the source told Africa Foot . 'His route is blocked by more senior players, and he needs to play.' The move to Alavés is expected to be finalised soon, which could be the first step in breaking into senior football. Tags: Deportivo AlavesReal MadridYoussef Lakhdim
Ya Biladi
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan talent Youssef Lakhdim set for Real Madrid debut amid defensive crisis
Real Madrid is facing significant defensive challenges in their last five matches of the Spanish league, with injuries to Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga. As a result, coach Carlo Ancelotti has turned to the club's academy in preparation for the upcoming match against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium this weekend. One of the players expected to step up is Youssef Lakhdim, a Moroccan-born player who has been a key figure in the reserve team. Spanish media have suggested that Lakhdim might replace Mendy at left-back. If he plays, it will be his debut with Real Madrid's first team. There is also the possibility that Lakhdim could be called up for the Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States between June 14 and July 13, 2025. La idea es que Yusi vaya convocado este fin de semana con el primer equipo. @relevo — Rodra (@Rodra10_97) May 1, 2025 Lakhdim began training with the first team last Tuesday at Valdebebas, where he impressed Ancelotti and his staff despite being only 19 years old. Known as «Yusi», he is recognized for his exceptional speed and his strong offensive contributions. Lakhdim chose to represent the Moroccan national team and was called up in March 2024 by the national coach to play in matches against Angola and Mauritania. Prior to that, he had represented the under-20 team, coached by Mohamed Wahbi, at the North African Union Tournament in Tunisia in November 2023, and the international tournament in South Korea in October 2023. Real Madrid rejected an offer from Getafe to sign Lakhdim last summer, opting instead to extend his contract until 2028, demonstrating their confidence in his promising talent. As the season progresses, Real Madrid is pushing hard to close the gap on Barcelona, who currently lead the league by four points. The upcoming El Clásico between the two sides on May 11 is expected to be crucial in deciding the fate of the championship.
