Manchester United Set To Sign Real Betis Starlet Roberto Gonzalez
Reuters / Peter Cziborra
Manchester United are close to completing a deal for Real Betis youngster Roberto Gonzalez, according to The Sun.
The report also goes on to say that the highly-rated forward would be joining the Manchester United academy during the 2017-18 season, and Jose Mourinho will keep a close eye on the teenager’s early developments at Old Trafford.
Although Manchester United’s under-18 have a lot of quality players like Nishan Burkart, Joshua Bohi and Tahith Chong, they have lacked a proper forward within the ranks. Gonzalez’s inclusion could ease the problem upfront, and in addition to playing as a second forward, the Spanish starlet is also capable of operating as a midfielder.
Gonzalez joined Real Betis as a youngster, and has progressed rapidly to now be a part of the club’s reserve side. His impressive performance have earned him an international recognition, as he was called up to the Spanish under-16-set-up in autumn last year, before playing the International tournament at St. George’s Park, England, in February this year.
The attacking forward has been playing for the Cadete A youth team, three levels below Betis B, who have just been promoted back to the Segunda B.
Gonzalez was also previously been linked with a move to Manchester City, but as per the reports, Manchester United have beaten their bitter rivals to the signature of the attacker.
MANCHESTER UNITED are swooping for Spanish starlet Roberto Gonzalez from Real Betis. [The Sun] pic.twitter.com/3rH63gEl4l
— The Red Devils (@utdtrd) June 1, 2017
The deal is yet to be finalised, but it is thought that Gonzalez has a €1m release clause, which is likely to be increased if he signs a new contract. The Red Devils will have to pay compensation to Betis should the move for the teenager be completed.
If United complete a deal, Gonzalez will be the second Spanish youth signing for United, after the Premier League giants reportedly secured the deal to add RCD Espanyol wonderkid Arnau Puigmal to their youth ranks.
Written by Pragadeesh Shanmugam 
United fan since Edwin Van der Sar denied Nicolas Anelka’s penalty to earn a dramatic Euro glory. Firmly believes that Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d’Or until he plays this sport. One time writer for GiveMeSport and Roar. A regular contributor to Sportskeeda and BlameFootball.