By SABC Sport
20th December 2024
The deal was sealed on Thursday evening, with Fati passing his medical examination to become a part of the Madrid club for the next five seasons.
Fati, who has been sidelined due to a jaw injury requiring surgery, will miss the last match of the year, which expedited the transfer process. The transfer fee agreed upon is approximately $120,000, along with additional clauses that could benefit Leganes based on Fati's performances at Real Madrid.
The decision by Real Madrid's youth academy directors to negotiate directly with Leganes rather than triggering the release clause underscores the excellent relationship between the two clubs. This contrasts with last summer's scenario when Valencia attempted a less amicable approach but failed to secure Fati's signature.
Standing at 1.80 metres, the Madrid-born Fati, with Angolan and Guinea-Bissauan heritage, is known for his physical strength. Although eligible for the Juvenil team due to his age, he is set to join Real Madrid C initially.
His path within the club will be dictated by both his performance and the unfolding season's needs. Fati joined Leganes at the cadet level and has since progressed through their ranks.
Fati will officially join his new teammates at Valdebebas this Friday, though fans will have to wait until January to see him in action due to the transfer window's schedule.
Real Madrid's scouting network continues to monitor the recovery of other youth players from injuries, assessing whether further acquisitions are necessary. The coming days will reveal if Fati's signing is a standalone event or the start of a more extensive recruitment drive.
Fati has already had a taste of first-team football, having trained with Leganes' senior squad under manager Borja Jimenez during this season, although his regular berth was with Leganes' Tercera Federacion side.
This signing reflects Real Madrid's commitment to nurturing young talent, providing Fati with an exciting opportunity to climb the ranks at one of the world's most prestigious clubs.