Confirmed: Atletico Madrid snatch Real Madrid academy gem on long-term deal | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have strengthened their youth ranks by completing the signing of Alvaro Vega, with the promising winger leaving Real Madrid’s academy to join their city rivals on a long-term deal. 

This latest Real Madrid transfer news sees another talented youngster swap Valdebebas for the Metropolitano, continuing a growing trend of academy movement between the two clubs.

The Alvaro Vega transfer has now been made official, with Atletico confirming that the Spain Under-16 international has signed a contract until 2029. 

The teenager will join the club’s Juvenil A side as he continues his development in one of Spain’s most competitive youth systems.

Atletico Madrid sign Real Madrid academy player

The Alvaro Vega Atletico Madrid move marks another chapter in the increasingly active exchange of youth talent between the two Madrid clubs.

Following the announcement, the winger spoke about his excitement after completing the move and explained his ambitions.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started. I want to keep developing and progressing until, hopefully, I can make it into the first team,” said the youngster after signing his new deal.

The development has naturally attracted attention because Vega has represented Spain at Under-16 level and was regarded as one of the promising attacking talents within Real Madrid’s youth structure.

His contract runs until 2029, giving Atletico plenty of time to oversee his development as he begins life with the club’s Under-19 side.

Jesus Fortea transfer changed the relationship

Notably, the latest Real Madrid academy departures continue a trend that began several years ago.

The relationship between the two youth systems changed significantly following the Jesus Fortea transfer to Real Madrid in 2022. 

That move effectively ended the long-standing understanding between the clubs regarding academy recruitment and opened the door for more direct movement of young players.

Since then, several prospects have moved from Atletico to Valdebebas, while others have travelled in the opposite direction.