# Sports

Real Madrid confirm signing of wonderkid Vinicius Junior

A mammoth fee for a player with only two senior caps to his name!

SNS | New Delhi | May 24, 2017 4:43 am

Real Madrid confirm signing of wonderkid Vinicius Junior

Spanish giants Real Madrid have completed the transfer of coveted Brazilian teenager Vincius Junior from Flamengo, a statement on their club website confirmed.

“Real Madrid C. F. and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of the federative rights of the player Vinicius Junior from July 2018. The player will remain at his current club until July 2019, although he will be able to play for Real Madrid before then if both clubs agree to it,” the statement said.

Dubbed the “next Neymar”, the 16-year-old Brazilian made his senior debut for Flamengo in 2017 and has so far played just two matches, but his exploits at the youth level caught the eye of Madrid, among other top clubs.

In March, he scored seven goals as Brazil won the U-17 South American Championship, putting him on the radar of Europe’s biggest sides. Flamengo immediately extended his contract till 2022, with an alleged buyout clause of €45 million.

Considering arch-rivals Barcelona and English side Manchester United were in the running to sign the Brazilian teenager, it is a major coup for the Zinedine Zidane led Madrid side.

While, Vinicius might not be available immediately, it will be a smart decision to let the Brazilian forward mature in his native country before entering the highly competitive European football scene.