Real Madrid academy graduate close to Premier League move as agreement nears – report | OneFootball

As reported by AS, Fulham are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid youngster Cesar Palacios, with negotiations accelerating significantly over the past 24 hours.

An agreement is now believed to be close, with both clubs making rapid progress as they work to finalise the transfer.

Unlike the more complicated talks between the two clubs surrounding Gonzalo Garcia, Palacios’ move is considered much simpler and could be completed first.

Real Madrid favour selling 50% of his rights

The structure of the deal is expected to mirror Real Madrid’s increasingly common strategy with academy graduates.

Rather than sanctioning a full sale, the club’s preferred option is to sell 50% of Palacios’ economic rights while retaining significant control over his future.

That would allow Los Blancos to benefit from his development and potentially bring him back should he establish himself at the highest level.

On his way to England. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

If a full transfer were eventually agreed instead, the club would seek to include a buy-back clause.

Arbeloa driving the move

A major factor behind Fulham’s pursuit is Alvaro Arbeloa. The former Real Madrid defender and coach, now leading the Premier League club’s project, has personally pushed for Palacios’ signing.

He has long admired the versatile attacking midfielder’s potential after working with him in Real Madrid’s academy, even handing him his senior debut last season. As such, he has urged Fulham to make a strong effort to secure his services.

Arbeloa has also been involved in the club’s pursuit of Gonzalo, believing both players have the quality to succeed in English football.

In search of first-team football

Palacios recognised weeks ago that this was the right moment to seek regular first-team football.

Palacios set to leave in search of first-team minutes. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho temporarily delayed his departures after asking to evaluate him during pre-season. While he remained with the squad, it gradually became clear that breaking into Real Madrid’s senior team this season would be extremely difficult.

For Palacios, the writing was on the wall when academy teammates Gabri Valero and Alexis Ciria were selected ahead of him in the club’s opening pre-season friendlies. That effectively confirmed his path would lie away from Valdebebas.

Strong season earns Premier League opportunity

At 21 years old, Palacios believes he is ready for senior football at the highest level.

The Spaniard enjoyed an outstanding campaign, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists for Castilla, finishing as the second-highest scorer in Primera RFEF Group 1 behind only Enric Gallego.

Negotiations between Real Madrid and Fulham are now focused on final details, and those involved believe Palacios’ transfer is closer to completion than Gonzalo’s proposed move.

If everything proceeds as expected, the deal could be officially announced within the next day, with Fulham securing one of Real Madrid’s most productive academy players while Los Blancos retain the opportunity to benefit from his future development.