What’s the story?
16-year-old Brazilian wonder kid Vinicius Junior has undergone a medical ahead of his €45 million (which could rise to €61 million with add-ons) move to Real Madrid from Flamengo. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Brazilian underwent the medical on Monday evening under the supervision of Flamengo's medical services.
The medical, which took place in Barra Tijuca in Rio now confirms that the Brazilian will be joining Real Madrid as soon as the reports sent from Brazil are assessed by Real Madrid doctors. The deal will see him becoming the costliest teenager in the history of football (at the age of 16) trumping the €43 million Manchester United paid for Anthony Martial.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in the press conference ahead of the game against Atletico Madrid was asked about the youngster, and he promptly said, “Vinicius? Who? No, I do not know him personally”.
Also Read: Official: Real Madrid superstar returns to training and will be fit for Atletico Madrid clash
The details of the deal
A report by the same outlet (Marca) couple of days back quoted an unnamed Real Madrid official saying, “We had to close the deal for Vinicius” with the Real Madrid hierarchy trying to avoid the mistakes they made with the signing of Neymar.
Vinicius, a U-17 international has yet to play for the first team in Flamengo but is touted by the Brazilian media to be “the pearl” of Brazilian football in years to come. He is expected to stay on loan at Flamengo for another year as he will not be able to play in the LaLiga until the 2018/19 season.
The heart of the matter
A number of European clubs were rumoured to be interested in signing the Brazilian who shot into prominence after his excellent showing at the South American Under-17 championships. The forward won the Golden Shoe with the seven goals he scored in the cup competition, leading his nation to victory.
The Brazilian will undoubtedly be the star attraction at the U-17 World Cup set to take place in India later this year.
Parallels from history
Martin Ødegaard joined Real Madrid with similar fanfare (though the deal cost Real Madrid a meagre €4 million) at the age of 16. The Norwegian, now 18-years-old, has just one appearance for the first team and was loaned out to SC Heerenveen in Netherlands where he is yet to make an impression.
Author’s Take
A potential fee of €61 million for a 16-year-old makes you look at yourself in the mirror and question your existence. Jokes aside, this puts huge pressure on the boy Vinicius Jr., but he has to keep his head down and keep doing what he has done till now.
Fun fact, he was asked in an interview to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he chose the Argentine. Make of that what you will.
Also read: OFFICIAL: Real Madrid sign Atletico Madrid star on 5-year contract after he completes medical
