Real Madrid News
Lille identify Real Madrid prospect as potential successor for Man City’s Rodri replacement
Lille are already planning for the possible departure of Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Matteo Moretto reporting the Ligue 1 side have identified Real Madrid midfielder Jorge Cestero as a potential replacement.
The French club are entering a new era under former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, with a summer of significant squad changes.
One of the club’s biggest priorities is preparing for the imminent exit of Bouaddi.
Manchester City closing in on Bouaddi
The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder has become one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents following his impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup.
And, Manchester City are now close to reaching an agreement with Lille, having already verbally agreed personal terms with the player.
It has been suggested that the teenager is being seen at the Etihad as the long-term heir to midfield mainstay Rodri, who is expected to join Real Madrid this summer.
With Bouaddi’s departure appearing increasingly likely, Lille have already begun searching for a replacement.
Cestero emerges as a target
According to Moretto, Lille have turned their attention to Cestero, one of the standout prospects in Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder currently plays for Real Madrid Castilla and is regarded internally as one of the academy’s brightest prospects.
Cestero joined Real Madrid in 2019 and has steadily progressed thanks to his tactical intelligence, technical quality, and composure in possession.
Real Madrid believe in Cestero’s potential
Real Madrid remain highly optimistic about Cestero’s future. The midfielder, under contract until 2028, earned his first-team debut under Alvaro Arbeloa last season and went on to play five games.
The 20-year-old starlet has continued to feature in first-team pre-season training and matches this summer under Jose Mourinho.
While his maturity and influence for Castilla have strengthened the belief that he could eventually become part of Real Madrid’s first-team plans, an exit remains a possibility.
A loan deal could become an option, much like with Franco Mastantuono’s imminent move to Fiorentina, allowing the Spanish youngster to gain regular first-team experience while giving Lille a talented replacement with significant long-term upside.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
