Exequiel Palacios to Real Madrid: The Los Blancos are set to make their first signing of the January transfer window.
Real Madrid have had a rather eventful season so far. After parting ways with Julen Lopetegui last month after a series of disappointing performances, the club appointed Santiago Solari as the interim manager.
The club is currently 6th in the league, and only 4 points behind league leaders Barcelona, who thumped the side 5-1 in Lopetegui’s last game in-charge of the club.
Real Madrid’s summer transfer window saw the departure of club’s biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo. While Real Madrid didn’t make significant offensive signings for the first-team, they bought Thibaut Courtois towards the end of the window.
However, the Spanish giants made a major breakthrough as the club has agreed a move for River Plate youngster Exequiel Palacious, according to Marca.
Exequiel Palacios to Real Madrid:
Real Madrid’s first signing of the January transfer window will be Exequiel Palacios, according to the Spanish media outlet. The move will be finalized after the Copa Libertadores Final.
Who is future Real Madrid signing Exequiel Palacios? 🇦🇷
“Is at his best when off the ball, whether that’s pressing opponents, tracking back to defend or giving team-mates a passing opportunity” pic.twitter.com/Ma3ChvUX4U
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 10, 2018
The signing is a part of Real Madrid’s strategy to acquire young talent from South America. Earlier in the summer, Real Madrid signed Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo from Brazil. While Vinicius has already made a few first-team appearances in the league, Rodrygo will join the club at the start of the 2019/20 season.
MARCA 🚨 An agreement has been reached between Real Madrid & River Plate over the signing of 20-year old Exequiel Palacios. It will cost a little over €20m. The player will arrive in the January transfer window. pic.twitter.com/kGRsFXI9ca
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) November 14, 2018
Palacios has been with River Plate ever since the age of 17, and the 20 year old midfielder has been a key player for the Argentinian side. The youngster will reportedly sign a 4-year deal with the club, and Real Madrid are set to pay a fee in the region of 20m euros.
MARCA: Exequiel Palacios will be the first signing through the door in January. The club feels he could have a big impact on the second half of the season. The deal could be made official as soon as the second leg of the copa final is over. Fee reportedly is €20 million.
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) November 14, 2018
Interestingly, Palacios could play against Real Madrid as River Plate will be participating in the Club World Cup next month.
Exequiel Palacios will become the first signing of Real Madrid in the next winter market. The price of the Palacios operation will go somewhat above 20 million euros. Palacios will be a Real Madrid player until June 30, 2024. pic.twitter.com/QcWl08uKJd
— Argentina Soccer 11 (@ArgSoccer11) November 14, 2018
What next?
Real Madrid believe that Palacios could offer quality in the midfield in the second half of the season as the Los Blancos aim to make a comeback to the season after a dismal start.
