Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona set sights on 19-year-old Ajax wonderkid – report
Real Madrid and Barcelona are always on the lookout for young talents to improve their squad and have often gone head-to-head for transfers, especially in recent years.
Indeed, the likes of Pablo Torre, Arda Guler, Endrick, and Franco Mastantuono were all being pursued by both the Spanish heavyweights in recent years.
And it appears that another young prospect, making waves in the Netherlands, is set to spark an El Clasico battle in the summer of 2026.
Real Madrid, Barcelona interested in Rayane Bounida
Indeed, according to AS, Rayane Bounida, the highly-rated Ajax youngster is a target for both Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
Born in Vilvoorde, Belgium, in 2006, the 19-year-old has attracted growing attention due to his development at Ajax, whom he joined in 2022 from the Anderlecht academy.
Sources close to the situation claim that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have intensified their internal monitoring, with detailed reports already prepared on the young attacking midfielder, who is of Moroccan descent and has already represented Belgium at Under-21 level.
So far, Bounida has made 13 senior appearances for the Dutch giants, in which he has scored one and assisted five goals.
The 19-year-old starlet’s technical ability, creativity and long-term potential are seen as an ideal fit for the projects being developed at both the Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou.
Although no formal approach has yet been made, the interest is described as “strong, deliberate and strategic,” and his situation is being closely monitored.
Ajax remain calm and focused on the player’s development, with his contract secured until 2028.
But behind the scenes Europe’s biggest clubs are positioning themselves, fully aware that Bounida is regarded as one of the most exciting footballers of his generation.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
