Real Madrid seal deal for Santos starlet Rodrygo

Real Madrid have reached a deal with Santos to sign young forward Rodrygo Goes for a reported 45 million euros, the European champions announced Friday.

Barcelona had been interested in the 17-year-old, but rivals Madrid have completed a deal for him, with the player set to move to the Santiago Bernabeu in July 2019.

"Real Madrid and Santos Football Club have agreed that the player Rodrygo Goes will play at Real Madrid when he comes of age," said Madrid in a statement.

"Although the player will be ready to join our club in January 2019, the deal establishes that he will join in July of that year."

Rodrygo has played for Brazil at U17 level and been included in the U20 squad, although he has not yet been capped.

"Santos is grateful for the attitude and professionalism of Real Madrid in every process, as well as the family and representatives of the player, who have sought a transparent, and very good, negotiation for all parties," added the Brazilian club in a statement.

In May 2017 Madrid agreed a deal with Brazilian side Flamengo to sign 16-year-old forward Vinicius Junior for a reported 46 million euros, with the striker set to join in July this year.