Manchester United have reportedly secured the signature of highly-rated Real Betis wonderkid Roberto Gonzalez, beating Manchester City to the attacker.
According a report from The Sun, Manchester United are set to secure their second youth signing of a highly anticipated summer transfer window at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have reportedly beaten their rivals Manchester City to sign highly-rated Spanish wonderkid Roberto Gonzalez from Real Betis.
Roberto Gonzalez joined Real Betis as a youngster and has progressed rapidly to now be a part of the club’s Reserve side. The 16-year-old loves to play as a second striker but is equally adept at playing on either wing – a prospect which comes in handy in modern-day football.
Gonzalez has earned international recognition as well, representing Spain at the Under-16 level. The player was called up to the Santi Denia’s squad last week for seven days of training in Madrid and would hope to add to his international caps.
#Mufc #ManUnited. Manchester United beat Man City to 16-year-old Spanish wonderkid Roberto Gonzalez from Real Betis https://t.co/2OjNDD6L5B
— SirAhmed (@SirAhmed92) May 30, 2017
Man United beat Man City to the signing of 16-year-old Real Betis starlet Roberto Gonzalez.(The Sun) pic.twitter.com/TTW6rgQAMN
— UtdRead (@MUtdRead) May 30, 2017
The player is being tailed by both Manchester United and Manchester City – two English clubs who have prioritised recruitment at the academy level in order to build a better foundation for their respective clubs. The duo want to bring Roberto Gonzalez to England.
And as per reports, Manchester United have stolen a march on their rivals in the pursuit of the 16-year-old. The Red Devils will have to pay compensation to Real Betis in lieu of the services of the forward. Roberto is one of the most highly-rated 16-year-olds in Spain and is expected to slot straight into Kieran McKenna’s side.
United Under-18s have a plethora of quality future superstars in the form of Tahith Chong, Nishan Burkart, Joshua Bohui and Angel Gomes – the pick of the lot. However, the Red Devils have lacked a proper forward within its ranks at both the Under-18 and the Under-23 level.
Roberto Gonzalez’s inclusion is likely to alleviate the problems upfront for the Under-18s, which would enable McKenna to field other players in their natural positions. Manchester City, on the other hand, are likely to be unhappy at being beaten to the talented 16-year-old despite having better ties in Spain.
The player will become the second Spanish youth signing for United, after the club reportedly secured the signing of Arnau Puigmal, another highly-rated Spaniard who is a standout in Espanyol’s youth setup.
United have a strong core of Spanish players in the first-team, with David De Gea, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata all a key part of the setup at Old Trafford. Who knows, with the right training and development, Roberto can follow in Marcus Rashford’s footsteps into the first-team, sooner than others.
