Sevilla in talks with Real Madrid for academy star; personal terms agreed

According to AS, Sevilla have turned to Real Madrid in their search for a replacement for Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Despite the positive impressions made by academy goalkeeper Alberto Flores during pre-season, the Andalusian club have decided to look elsewhere for reinforcement, identifying Real Madrid Castilla goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez as their preferred option.

Agreement in principle reached

As per the report, the 21-year-old, who has represented Spain at youth international level, has already reached an agreement with Sevilla in principle. The two clubs are now negotiating the terms of the transfer.

The proposed deal is expected to involve shared ownership, which is considered the most financially viable structure Sevilla can pursue for the goalkeeper.

Set to depart. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Gonzalez remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2028, and the Spanish giants are keen to retain certain rights over the player should he leave this summer.

Highly rated

Standing at 1.99 metres tall, Gonzalez recently turned 21 and played a key role for Real Madrid Castilla last season as the reserve side reached the Segunda División promotion play-offs, where they were eliminated by Sabadell.

He made 28 appearances, conceded 39 goals and kept three clean sheets.

The goalkeeper also made his La Liga debut two seasons ago in Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Valencia. At international level, he has earned three caps for Spain Under-21s and has yet to concede a goal.

Real Madrid have always held him in high regard, with some within the club even seeing him as the heir to Thibaut Courtois.

Headed for Sevilla? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, now, the club appear to be shipping him off to Sevilla, in order to further his development, without losing control over his future.

Sevilla acknowledge that negotiations are ongoing but insist that an agreement is far from being finalised.

Club sources recognise that several issues still need to be resolved with Real Madrid and stress that Fran Gonzalez is not the only goalkeeper under consideration.

However, as things stand, the 21-year-old La Fabrica gem appears set to be the latest academy talent that will leave Real Madrid in the hope of building a career at the highest level.