Sid Lowe explains what comes next after Gareth Bale’s public comments about his future at Real Madrid, and why a summer exit would be complicated.
Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t appear in Real’s new kit promo after speculation about his future at the club.
Gab Marcotti takes issue with Gareth Bale’s comments after the UCL final as the guys discuss his Real Madrid future and links to Man United.
Real Madrid have signed 18-year-old forward Rodrigo Rodrigues, who will join up with the Castilla youth side ahead of the 2018-19 season.
It was reported last September that a deal had been agreed with Brazilian club Gremio Novorizontino for the teenager to join Madrid once he turned 18, and the youngster was at the club’s Valdebebas training round this week to complete a medical and finalise the move.
“It’s a dream to wear the shirt of the best club in the world,” said Rodrigo in an Instagram post from his representatives, NG Soccer.
“I am certain that I am in the best place to grow as a player. I hope to bring a lot of happiness to the fans and win titles.”
Local reports believe he has signed a six year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Rodrigo will join fellow Brazilian youngster Augusto Galvan in the Castilla set-up next season, playing in Spain’s Segunda B third tier.
Another Brazilian prospect, Vinicius Junior, was signed by Madrid for €45 million in summer 2017, with it still uncertain whether he will leave current club Flamengo to join up with Zinedine Zidane’s first team ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.
Madrid have kept a close eye on the Brazilian market in recent seasons, with current first team midfielder Casemiro, Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose and Lucas Silva — currently rebuilding his career back home at Cruzeiro following heart issues — among those brought early to the Spanish capital.
Dermot Corrigan is a Madrid-based football writer who covers La Liga and the Spain national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @dermotmcorrigan
Be the first to comment