Noel Lopez has opted to join Real Madrid despite interest from Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool.
A recent report from Defensa Central has offered additional insight into Real Madrid Castilla’s newest signing, Noel Lopez. The 19-year-old Spanish striker has become the first luxury signing for the subsidiary team of the Spanish giants, joining from Deportivo la Coruna for an undisclosed fee.
A striker by trade, Lopez is currently one of the most gifted young players in Spain, having enjoyed his professional breakthrough this past season. The teenage whizkid is often regarded as a “nine and a half” due to his ability to trick the opposition defenders with his movements in the final third.
Lopez’s mobility in the final third has already led to comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema. It is also one of the reasons why the European champions have opted to rope in him ahead of the new season. But the road was not at all easy, as the Spanish forward was courted by a host of top clubs across Europe.
Barcelona were among the teams keen on the services of young Lopez. Having roped in Emre Demir and Pablo Torre this year, the Catalans wanted to hijack the deal to sign the 19-year-old Spanish forward forward as well. They were even in contact with the player’s agents over a summer move to Catalonia.
Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool are among some of the other clubs who were involved in the race to sign the teenage sensation. Both the clubs had offered the youngster the opportunity to play in England, but the player was never really drawn to a move to the Premier League.
Lopez did not even consider a move to Barcelona either as he had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid. The 19-year-old feels he has what it takes to become a success at the Santiago Bernabeu and wants to his make his breakthrough in the first team in the near future.
For the time being, Lopez will be drafted into the Real Madrid Castilla side. But his progress will be closely monitored by the scouts and coach Carlo Ancelotti himself, with many expecting the young Spaniard to work his way up and eventually seal promotion to the senior side.
