Real Madrid have reportedly managed to swoop in late and beat Barcelona to land the highly-rated Spanish striker Cristo Gonzalez from Tenerife.
Spanish publication Don Balon are claiming that Real Madrid have managed another transfer coup, of sorts, over Barcelona. The Catalans were linked heavily to highly-rated Tenerife striker Cristo Gonzalez. But, it seems Real have come in late and hijacked the move to nab the player from Barcelona’s clutches.
Cristo Gonzalez is one of the very highly-rated youngsters present in the Liga Segunda – La Liga 2 now. The Spaniard has progressed from the CD Tenerife academy setup to become a regular in the side. At 19, the player’s versatility is his greatest asset and has been one of the shining features of his skill-set.
Cristo plays predominantly as a striker but is capable of putting in a decent shift when deployed on the left wing and as a support striker as well. While his numbers are not as appetizing, his work-rate and potential has seen the player attract the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
We’re about to sign Cristo Gonzalez (19yrs old ST/LW) from Tenerife for 500k EUR. He’ll join Castilla next season. [@dmadridistaok] pic.twitter.com/Q5IYrJQMv7
— Ondra Paul (@OndraPaul) July 14, 2017
Barcelona are looking to strengthen their options in all positions. However, the attack is a place where the Catalans have to look towards building for the future as well. And Cristo, with his talent, was touted to have the potential to command the frontline in the future.
In fact, the club was locked in serious talks with Tenerife and the player’s camp to land the 19-year-old. While the Catalans were supposed to be edging closer to the player, Real Madrid have reportedly swooped in and managed to sign the player.
Los Blancos seem to be enjoying their most successful run in recent years under Zinedine Zidane. And the recruits this season signal towards the club building for the future, with Marcos Llorente, Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos all arriving at the club – the former two returning to the club.
And Cristo seems to be the next one on the list. The club has reportedly struck an agreement over the player’s transfer – a deal that involves a fee of around €500,000. Cristo is now set to join Real Madrid’s Castilla side but has been promised to be promoted to train with the first-team under Zinedine Zidane soon.
Cristo is hailed in Spain as one of the up-and-coming gems of Spanish football and it looks like Real have acquired another future superstar in-the-making. Barcelona will have to step up their transfer dealing process. Lest they fear losing out on most of the exciting prospects to their arch-rivals.
