FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have seldom engaged in recent bouts against one another over particular players. There have obviously existed exceptions to this tradition in the past and may continue to exist well in the future as well. Most recently, the two Spanish giants are simultaneously setting their eyes on an emerging Spanish talent.
19-year-old Hugo Sotelo, currently a player for Celta Vigo’s B team, has attracted the likes of both Barcelona and Real Madrid according to a report from RELEVO. Operating as a midfielder, primarily as an interior, reports on the player have been positive in regard to both interested clubs and their respective monitoring of the youngster.
Currently contracted to Celta Vigo’s subsidiary till 2025, the player also has a release clause of €10 million attached to his contractual obligation to the club. With 22 appearances this season, having scored once and assisted twice during that duration, the player has already begun to attract glamorous interest despite not even having cemented himself for the senior Celta Vigo squad yet.
Despite the interest, neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid have officially begun negotiations of any sort with the player and his entourage, as they believe it to be best to wait for further scouting of the player and keep a keen eye on his development as a football prodigy.
Moreover, Celta Vigo themselves believe that FC Barcelona nor Real Madrid would currently be willing to spend the €10 million that his release clause is set at to acquire his services just yet, given that he remains unproven in the first division by a long shot.
Los Celestes believe they are in the right position to instead be able to enter negotiations with the player and consequently tie him down to a long-term contract with the club.
Reportedly, this new contract would also see his €10 million increase to €20 million. Recent revelations also seem to agree with the news that the player is willing to negotiate a longer stay with Celta and remain a key player for them for the upcoming years.