Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has confirmed that Iker Bravo wants to return to Spain amid interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
In an interview with Radio MARCA, as relayed by Defensa Central, Fernando Carro has revealed that Iker Bravo wants to leave the Bundesliga club to return to Spain in the ongoing transfer window. The Bayer Leverkusen CEO also confirmed that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid want to sign the 17-year-old Spanish prodigy.
Iker Bravo progressed through the ranks rapidly at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. But the 17-year-old has chosen to end his footballing education at Bayer Leverkusen, hoping to secure a quicker pathway to action at the first-team level after completing the move to Germany last summer.
The Spanish prodigy’s decision paid off as he earned his first-team debut for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2021/22 season. In doing so, Bravo briefly became the youngest-ever debutant for Die Werkself at 16 years and 298 days. And his progress has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid among his prospective suitors.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have a storied history of poaching some of the most promising young prospects in the world for their youth and reserve teams. But the Merengues have a richer tradition of promoting prodigious players to the first-team squad, as illustrated by the progress of Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde in recent years.
Iker Bravo 2022 Compilation
Goals & Assists / Goles & Asistencias⚽️
13/01/2005 ?? pic.twitter.com/S61O1tdoEu— $cout ARAH (@Scouter33448288) August 2, 2022
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are now hot on the heels of Iker Bravo, who could be a long-term solution in the final third for both clubs. Recent reports have claimed that the Colchoneros have raised their offer to sign the 17-year-old Spanish prodigy. And Fernando Carro has confirmed the interest of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
The Bayer Leverkusen CEO said, “The player wants to return to Spain, but I think he is wrong and that the best thing for him would be to stay in Leverkusen and train every day with the first team and play with the U19.”
We will sell him to the one who gives us the best conditions. What we are evaluating is a loan with a purchase option, but we are willing to sell it. I think it is 50 per cent between Real Madrid and Atlético [Madrid], although there are other interested teams.”
Recent reports have claimed that Bravo has an agreement with Atletico Madrid, but as per Fernando Carro, Real Madrid and Los Rojiblancos have an equal chance of landing the 17-year-old Spanish prodigy, thus setting up an exciting transfer saga.
