Real Madrid improve 19-year-old academy gem’s contract amid strong interest | OneFootball

Victor Valdepenas became the first academy talent to make his first-team debut for Real Madrid under manager Xabi Alonso.

The 19-year-old defender, who can play at centre-back and left-back, started in the La Liga game against Deportivo Alaves a little over a week ago to mark his maiden senior appearance for the club.

Considered one of the most talented prospects to have come through La Fabrica, Valdepenas has been drawing significant interest from clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal.

Real Madrid renew Valdepenas’ contract

Amidst this, Real Madrid have quickly moved to improve Valdepenas’ contract at the club, reports Guillermo Rai of The Athletic.

The teenage defender will now be on a new deal with a higher salary while the duration of the contract will continue to remain until the summer of 2029.

New and improved deal for Valdepenas secured. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

It has even been suggested that as part of the improved contract, Valdepenas’ release clause is now set at €50 million to wade off interest from other clubs.

With Real Madrid having been without Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, or Ferland Mendy for the Alaves clash, due to suspensions and injuries, Alonso decided to throw Valdepenas into the deep end and the youngster gave a good account of himself on his debut.

Given his potential and promise, Real Madrid have moved quickly to secure his future at the club with an improved contract, especially with clubs lurking to swoop him away.

Valdepenas was not the only recent debutant to sign a new contract as defensive midfielder Jorge Cestero, who made his bow in the Copa del Rey win vs Talavera, also penned an extension with the club last week.