Real Madrid set to part ways with academy prodigy in €8 million deal – report | OneFootball

According to Marcos Benito on El Chiringuito TV, Real Madrid have finalized a verbal agreement with Serie A outfit ACF Fiorentina for the permanent transfer of highly-rated young defender Victor Valdepenas.

The 19-year-old versatile centre-back has officially agreed to terms on a long-term five-year contract that ties him to the Italian side until June 2031.

€8 million in the coffers for Real Madrid

The layout of the transaction highlights Real Madrid’s strict institutional negotiation strategy regarding academy graduates.

As per the report, Fiorentina will pay a fixed €8 million transfer fee to secure the player’s immediate services. Crucially, Real Madrid executives successfully integrated a mandatory 50% sell-on clause into the contract framework.

Valdepenas headed to Fiorentina. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

This ensure the Spanish champions will retain half of all future financial capital generated if the Italian club decides to sell Valdepenas later in his career.

New first-team manager Jose Mourinho briefly considered holding the defender back during pre-season to evaluate his depth profile, but ultimately green-lit an immediate departure to Florence.

Valdepenas’ Real Madrid trajectory

Valdepenas leaves the capital having earned a strong reputation across the lower rungs of La Fabrica.

Recognised as an explosive, physical presence capable of anchoring the left flank or central defence, he rose to prominence under the reserve ranks at Real Madrid Castilla.

His consistent development was rewarded in December 2025, when he made his official senior first-team debut under extreme injury conditions during a La Liga fixture against Deportivo Alaves when Xabi Alonso was in charge.

Real Madrid will receive €8 million. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Academy revenue continues

The €8 million fee represents yet another tactical victory for Real Madrid’s broader financial operations this summer.

The Merengues’ unique policy of retaining half-ownership stakes has triggered a massive financial windfall.

The club has amassed over €120 million in revenue solely from academy sales and former player rights over the current window.

This lucrative revenue accumulation includes Nico Paz’s €60 million move to Como, the €20 million accrued from Victor Munoz’s move to Liverpool from Osasuna, and €15 million received from Mario Gila’s transfer to AC Milan, among others.

Now, Valdepenas’ impending move to Fiorentina will land the club another €8 million in academy sales, while the club retain control over his future.