Real Madrid, Barcelona vying to sign 15-year-old Spanish midfield prospect – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid made a number of youth signings in January, bringing in several exciting young prospects in Spain to reinforce La Fabrica.

Heading into the summer, more such signings are expected, with Victory Okorie already expected to sign from the Alaves youth academy.

Real Madrid want Sergio Merino

Now, according to AS, Real Madrid have set their sights on a move for 15-year-old midfield prospect Sergio Merino, who is currently at the Real Valladolid youth academy.

The Merengues are set to battle it out with arch-rivals Barcelona as well as another La Liga club, Villarreal, for the youngster’s signing.

Merino will turn 16 in May, the age at which he will be eligible to sign his first professional contract, something Real Valladolid intends to secure as soon as possible.

For now, people close to the player say he wants to stay in Valladolid and continue his development there. However, the interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have watched him in action, could alter the situation.

Real Madrid are working on strengthening their youth ranks. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Who is Sergio Merino?

Sergio Merino is the youngest player to debut in the Division de Honor youth league for Real Valladolid in recent years.

The 15-year-old prospect is an energetic box-to-box midfielder and usually plays as No. 8 although he also demonstrates strong defensive awareness thanks to his intensity.

Merino typically operates in a double pivot with a traditional No. 6 alongside him, which provides him the freedom to push forward and contribute to the team’s build-up play as well as pose a goal threat.

This season he has scored nine goals: eight with Valladolid’s Juvenil B (U18) team, despite being a cadet player, and one with the Castilla y León regional team.

As things stand, Real Valladolid hope to retain one of their latest academy jewels, while two of Spain’s biggest clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, continue to monitor him closely.