Real Madrid sign former Barcelona youth prodigy in a major coup – report | OneFootball

Although the January transfer window has recently closed, the market to sign youth players continues to gain momentum.

To that end, Real Madrid have recently made a move to sign a former Barcelona prospect, in the form of Clifford Nana.

The Spanish giants are reportedly finalising a deal for 16-year-old winger Clifford Nana, who was developed at the prestigious La Masia academy until 2023, and has emerged as one of the most coveted teenagers in Spanish football.

Real Madrid complete deal to sign Nana

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the agreement is now finalised, with the player expected to sign his contract at Valdebebas in the coming days.

This acquisition represents a significant victory for Real Madrid’s scouting network, which has closely monitored Nana’s rapid rise.

Barcelona continue to lose their former academy talents to rival clubs. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Described as an explosive and direct attacking midfielder, he possesses elite dribbling skills and a prolific scoring instinct, evidenced by his seven goals in 11 matches this season.

The timing of this coup adds to the recent frustration surrounding La Masia, as Barcelona have seen several starlets depart the club.

Most notably, the Blaugrana recently lost highly-rated talent Dro to Paris Saint-Germain. While Nana does not move directly from Barcelona to Madrid, having spent the last year at CF Damm, his signing does signal the growing trend of rival clubs securing former Catalan gems.

Within Real Madrid, Nana is viewed as a high-potential project that aligns with the renewed focus on La Fabrica under Alvaro Arbeloa.

While he is unlikely to feature for the senior team immediately, there is already speculation that his technical readiness could earn him a spot with Castilla.

In other news, Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing 25-year-old Jon Cabo for the reserve team, in order to replace the injured Oscar Gistau.