Real Madrid are in the final stages of securing the signing of Atletico Madrid youth defender Victor Correa, according to reports from Spain. The move for the highly-rated 13-year-old, known as Viti, would see the player cross one of European football's most bitter city divides and effectively end a long-standing informal agreement between the two clubs not to target each other's academy talents.
The deal is reported by Spanish outlet AS to be effectively agreed, with only a few formalities remaining. The transfer would be a permanent one, bringing the young left-back from Atletico's youth setup to Real Madrid's famed La Fabrica academy. The report indicates that the clubs have operated for years under an unwritten rule of mutual respect, directly avoiding poaching each other's youth prospects, but that understanding has now been set aside.
Victor Correa is regarded as one of the most promising players in Atletico's youth system. His performances at youth level, including a key role in Atletico's recent success at the La Liga Futures International Tournament where he earned the MVP award, have attracted significant attention. His impending move follows a similar path taken by Real Madrid youngster Jesus Fortea, who made the same cross-city switch five years ago.
The reported move comes as Real Madrid, with the La Liga title seemingly out of reach this season, are already planning for the future. The club's academy recruitment has become increasingly aggressive in recent times, seeking top talent without geographical limitation. Club president Florentino Perez is said to be overseeing a summer that will also focus on first-team impact signings, alongside the expected return of playmaker Nico Paz from loan.
For Atletico Madrid, losing a prized academy asset to their greatest rivals represents a significant blow, both in terms of talent and prestige. The move torches the unofficial pact that had served as a rare point of détente in a fierce rivalry. For Real Madrid, it signals a continued commitment to securing the best young players available, regardless of traditional boundaries. The transfer underscores the intense competition for youth talent in the Spanish capital, even at the junior level.
