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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.
