The Croatian jewel leaves Barcelona and unexpectedly goes to Saudi Arabia

Manuel Ángel, 22-year-old central midfielder from Real Madrid's youth academy, is close to completing a transfer to Fulham in the English Premier League, according to reports from AS. Negotiations have made substantial progress in recent hours, with the deal nearing finalization. Real Madrid is expected to retain a portion of rights to the player, a model they have already used this summer in selling other talents from their academy. Álvaro Arbeloa, current manager of Fulham, has played a key role in pushing for Ángel’s move. He knows the player well from his time in Real Madrid’s academy. AS notes that it was precisely Arbeloa who strongly insisted on Ángel joining the club. Fulham had already signed César Palacio from Real Madrid this summer, paying around €10 million for 70 percent of the player’s rights. Ángel nearly moved to Almería last week. Talks between Real Madrid and the second-tier side were centered around a deal worth approximately €6 million for 50 percent of the player’s rights. However, that transfer did not materialize. In the meantime, Fulham entered the picture, making England his most promising destination. Cádiz also showed interest in Ángel, but AS states that the 22-year-old opted for the opportunity to continue his career in the Premier League and reunite with Arbeloa. Due to the pending transfer, he will not participate in Real Madrid Castilla’s opening match of the new La Liga season. Born into Real Madrid’s academy system, Ángel served as captain of the younger teams and won the triple crown with Juventi A. His contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2027. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is currently estimated at €5 million. The potential move marks another step in the ongoing efforts of Real Madrid to manage its youth talents through strategic transfers. This approach aligns with the club’s broader strategy of retaining partial ownership in deals involving young players, ensuring continued involvement in their careers even after departure. Fulham, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming season. Adding Ángel would provide them with a versatile and experienced midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His familiarity with Arbeloa could ease his integration into the team. Real Madrid’s decision to retain some rights in the deal reflects a growing trend among top European clubs to maintain influence over the development of their young players. This method allows clubs to benefit from future performances while still facilitating the movement of talent to competitive leagues. As the transfer nears completion, attention shifts to how Ángel will adapt to the faster pace of the Premier League. His experience within Real Madrid’s academy should serve him well, providing a solid foundation as he takes on a new challenge abroad. The outcome of this transfer will likely be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, given the significance of such moves in modern football.