In the wake of their summer clash over the signing of Arda Guler, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona could find themselves in another showdown next year, this time for the budding talent of Hugo Sotelo. According to a report by Oscar Mendez, both clubs are closely monitoring Sotelo’s development at fellow La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.
Hugo Sotelo, a product of Celta Vigo’s youth academy, has already made his presence felt with five appearances for the club’s first team, including two in the ongoing 2023/24 season. This 19-year-old midfielder is highly regarded within the club and throughout Spain. However, Celta has struggled to secure his long-term commitment with a new contract. Follow your favourite football team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
Currently, Sotelo is operating under a subsidiary contract at Celta Vigo, and negotiations for a fresh deal have hit a roadblock, with the club’s initial proposal being turned down some time ago. Consequently, this Spanish prodigy possesses a release clause of €10 million in his contract, a figure that can escalate to €20 million when he is officially promoted to the first-team ranks.
As Sotelo’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and with no tangible progress toward a new agreement, several clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, have been drawn to his situation. However, it’s important to note that, as of now, neither Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid nor their arch-rivals Barcelona have made an official offer, as Celta Vigo continues its efforts to secure the young talent’s future.
The report underscores that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been tracking Sotelo’s progress for some time, closely scouting him in various matches. The next move in this emerging transfer saga remains uncertain, with the possibility that Real Madrid may consider activating his release clause if Sotelo doesn’t commit to a new contract in the near future.
The footballing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this developing story as two of Spain’s football giants keep a close eye on the promising Hugo Sotelo. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.
