Transfer Market: Ronaldo's Almería Close to Securing Real Madrid Prospect

Real Madrid and Almería, the club co-owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal for the transfer of Manuel Ángel, as reported by Spanish newspaper AS on Thursday. The 22-year-old Sevillian midfielder is expected to be confirmed as a new signing for the Rojiblancos, who compete in LaLiga 2, within the next few hours, with only the final details of the negotiation remaining.

The operation, anticipated to be worth six million euros, will follow the typical model for academy players from the Blancos: a transfer that ensures Real Madrid retains 50% of the economic rights for the midfielder, who is not part of José Mourinho's plans.

Ángel is set to sign a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year, with the Spanish second-tier side, who are striving to return to the top flight after a three-year absence.

The captain of Real Madrid Castilla, the midfielder has been sidelined from pre-season training while awaiting a resolution on his future. His departure adds to a long list of academy player sales that have already generated approximately 200 million euros for the Madrid club this summer transfer window.

Known as Mami, Manuel Ángel is a creative midfielder, praised for his passing quality, vision, and tactical intelligence. He arrived at Valdebebas in 2018 from Sevilla's academy and excelled in Real Madrid's youth ranks, where he was a key player in Álvaro Arbeloa's team that achieved a historic treble (league, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Youth League), alongside talents like Nico Paz, Gonzalo, César Palacios, and Jacobo Ramón.

Last season, the Spanish youth international had the opportunity to make his debut for the senior team, accumulating a total of seven appearances. His first appearance came in the Copa del Rey against Albacete Balompié, and he also featured in four league matches and the UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City.