Manchester United and Manchester City have been rebuffed in their pursuit of Roberto Gonzalez, who has signed a new contract at Real Betis.
Real Betis have confirmed on their official website that they have reached an agreement with the highly-rated Roberto Gonzalez to extend the player’s contract with the club. The Spanish midfielder was being heavily tailed by Manchester United recently. However, it seems the youngster has decided to further his stay at the La Liga club.
Roberto Gonzalez is hailed as one of the rising gems of not just the Real Betis academy but in Spain altogether. The 16-year-old has already progressed rapidly to be a regular fixture in the Reserve side at Real Betis and is expected to make the grade soon.
And his record this season – 36 goals in 21 games – has been imperious to say the least. The player is already capped by Spain at the Under-16 level and is tipped for big things in the future. His capability to play on either wing and as an attacking midfielder as well as a striker really adds to the 16-year-old’s stock.
? OFFICIAL | Real Betis and Academy player Roberto González extend their contract
➡️ https://t.co/kq4bLJxv3x pic.twitter.com/OF7Bdse3sK
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) June 8, 2017
Hence, it isn’t a surprise Manchester United and Manchester City came knocking on Roberto’s doorstep, with the player looking destined to leave Real Betis for Manchester United at one point of time. Roberto Gonzalez had reportedly given his consent for the switch and Real Betis seemed resigned to accepting compensation in lieu of the talent.
However, as the official announcement now clears up the air, it seems Roberto has rejected the advances of both the Manchester clubs and has decided to extend his stay at Real Betis – a decision that should bode him well, at least in terms of the fastest track to the first-team.
While Manchester United and Manchester City would have slotted him besides other highly-rated Under-18s in their academy squads, at Real Betis, he stands a real chance of breaking into the first-team next season – something the club would also hope the 16-year-old would be able to do.
Roberto Gonzalez’s snub to Manchester United and Manchester City shows that the youngster has his priorities straight and has a cool head on him, which can see him achieve great heights. It will be interesting to see how his career develops.
