Zaragoza keen to take Real Madrid pearl César Gelabert on loan next season
Zaragoza, who are expected to be promoted back to LaLiga, will put in a request for Madrid's César Gelabert, for the new season. Gelabert knows Víctor Fernández well.
Real Zaragoza are one of several clubs interested in taking César Gelabert on loan next season. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of the most promising talents in Real Madrid's youth academy right now, and Zaragoza think he would be perfect for them in their much-anticipated return to LaLiga. Gelabert is able to play in any of the attacking positions although where he feels most comfortable and is most effective is in a deep-lying role. A player who is equally as strong on both feet and just a shade under six foot tall, his other qualities include blistering pace, dribbling ability, good vision and delivery of the final ball as well as his efficiency in front of goal.
Gelbert's talents spotted by Víctor Fernández in La Fábrica
One man who has long been an admirer of Gelabert is Víctor Fernández, who watched the player's development first hand during his two years with Real Madrid's youth teams (he was Director of the academy from 2015-17) - and he was even considering requesting the teenager during the recent winter transfer window.
AS reported on Friday that Borussia Dortmund, Olympique Lyon and Arsenal are all following Gelabert's situation with great interest, as they are aware that player's contract is due to expire in 2021. However, Real Madrid are planning to offer the teenager a new, long-term deal and in the meantime, would only be willing to let him leave on loan or if push case to shove, a transfer with a buy-back clause inserted.
Gelabert, an international at youth level for Spain
Just a year and a half ago, Gelabert suffered a serious knee injury which left him sidelined for wight months but by last year he was back at his best playing under Raúl with Castilla. He is a serious candidate to be called up by Spain's Under-21s after having made his way up through the lower youth categories for Spain.
Due to the excellent relationship they have with Real Madrid, Zaragoza are also hoping to extend their loan agreement with Los Blancos for Alberto Soro by an extra year. The 21-year-old midfielder signed for Madrid on a 2.5 million euro deal from Zaragoza last summer but was allowed to remain at La Romareda this season on loan. There is also a possibility that Madrid centre-back Jesús Vallejo, who is currently out on loan with Granada, could return to Zaragoza next season - on a one-year loan.