Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid youngster set to join La Liga rivals on a four-year contract
As is the case every year, a number of players from the Real Madrid youth and reserve ranks are expected to leave the club this summer in search of first-team opportunities elsewhere.
One such talent who is now on his way out of the club is left-back Youssef Lekhedim ‘Yusi’.
Yusi to join Alaves on a four-year contract
Indeed, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Yusi is set to leave Real Madrid to sign for La Liga rivals Deportivo Alaves, with a four-year contract now agreed between the two parties.
The Spanish-Moroccan left-back played 35 times for Castilla in the RFEF Primera Division this past season, managing a goal and four assists.
The 19-year-old starlet was in the first-team squad for seven games under Carlo Ancelotti but did not make his debut.
Following that, he has travelled to the USA with the senior team for the FIFA Club World Cup, but has not been used by new coach Xabi Alonso either.
Yusi’s contract with Real Madrid stood to expire in 2028. But with Fran Garcia’s form improving and the club planning to sign Alvaro Carreras, a first-team spot was always going to be out of reach.
As such, the teenage left-back is now on his way out, with an agreement reached over a four-year contract with Alaves.
An alternative report from journalist Rodra on ESPN states that Real Madrid have a buyback clause for Yusi which will be valid for two years.
Alaves also have an interest in Yusi’s Castilla teammate Victor Munoz and it will be interesting to see if they make a move for him as well.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
