Ferran Quetglas: the Real Madrid goalkeeping talent signed from under Barcelona’s noses
Signed in the summer from Real Mallorca, keeper Ferran Quetglas dazzled for Spain’s Under-18s at the weekend, producing an astonishing triple save against Turkey.
Real Madrid continue to follow a strategy of recruiting the top goalkeeping talent to their youth academy. The latest example of this drive is the club’s signing of 17-year-old Ferran Quetglas, who this weekend starred for Spain’s Under-18s. In a game against Turkey, he pulled off a stunning triple save that saw him not only parry a penalty, but also keep out two follow-ups.
Quetglas signed in summer despite Barça interest
Quetglas’ performance against the Turks underlined why there is such excitement about him at Madrid. A keeper who is 6ft 3in tall, he was snapped up as a free agent this summer from Real Mallorca - despite attention from Barcelona, whose sporting director, Mateu Alemany, had been impressed by the teenager.
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Madrid’s swift swoop for Quetglas contrasted with Mallorca’s sluggishness in securing his future. Los Bermellones were hesitant to make him a first-team player as part of his contract renewal. Madrid offered him a more enticing sporting plan and, although he moved to the Spanish capital on a free, Los Blancos have agreed to pay Mallorca a series of fees for the youngster. Quetglas signed an initial two-year deal with Madrid, but the club plan to tie him down to a longer-term commitment.
Playing for Real Madrid U19s with Castilla in sights
For now, the keeper’s focus will be on finishing his high-school studies and excelling for Madrid’s Under-19s. Coached by former first-team player Álvaro Arbeloa, the team are currently immersed in a UEFA Youth League campaign, having won one and drawn one to sit second in their group. Meanwhile, Quetglas will continue to turn out for Pablo Amo’s Spain Under-18s, with Under-19s boss Santi Denia keeping tabs on his progress. He is very highly rated within the Spanish age-group set-up.
At Madrid, his stellar displays at international level are a source of deep satisfaction, as the 14-time European champions groom him to graduate on to the role of first-choice keeper for Castilla, the club’s ‘B’ team.