Transfer News: Manchester United beat Manchester City to land Roberto Gonzalez

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.

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.