The pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi entered a decisive phase this week as Fouzi Lekjaa and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi traveled to Lille for direct talks with the young midfielder. Their visit underlined the importance of this mission for our national team. Bouaddi represents a profile that fits perfectly into the new cycle we are building, and securing his commitment has become one of the federation’s top priorities.
Lekjaa and Ouahbi Take the Initiative in Lille
Our delegation attended Lille’s match against Aston Villa before meeting Bouaddi and his entourage. The objective was clear: present the long‑term vision of the Atlas Lions and show the player how central he is to the project. Bouaddi already expressed a willingness to join the national team starting in June 2026. The federation wants to finalize the decision before the next international window. France continues to monitor him, but our staff believes the project we are constructing offers him a clearer role and a stronger identity.
Bouaddi Matches the Direction of the Atlas Lions
Bouaddi’s season with Lille confirmed everything our technical staff saw in him. He played 22 Ligue 1 matches, showed maturity in possession and maintained an 89 percent pass accuracy. His calm distribution, tactical intelligence and ability to control rhythm align perfectly with the style Ouahbi wants to implement. The new cycle requires midfielders who bring structure. Who bring clarity and tempo, and Bouaddi fits that profile better than most players in his age group.
A New Era Begins Under Ouahbi
The Atlas Lions prepare for friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay at the end of March. These matches mark the beginning of Ouahbi’s tenure and the start of a new era for the national team. The staff hopes Bouaddi joins the group soon, even if his official switch comes later. The Lille visit shows the seriousness of the federation’s approach. The message is simple: Bouaddi belongs in the future of the Atlas Lions, and the door is open for him to step in.