Fiorentina have completed the permanent signing of Victor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid for around €8 million, with the Spanish champions keeping a 50 per cent sell-on clause and a buy-back option on the 19-year-old left-back.
The defender, born in 2006, arrived in Florence this week and underwent his medical on Thursday morning before the final paperwork was completed. Valdepeñas spent seven seasons in Real Madrid's academy, rising through the youth ranks to make his senior debut, and is regarded as one of the most promising young full-backs to come out of the club's youth system in recent years.
The Spain youth international took to social media on Thursday to say goodbye to the club where he grew up, publishing a letter thanking the coaches, staff and team-mates who helped his development.
"After seven seasons, it is time to close a chapter that I will always carry with me," he wrote. "I want to thank all the coaches who were part of my journey, for their trust, their demands, their advice and for helping me grow every day. I also want to thank the fitness coaches, the physiotherapists, the delegates, the assistants and all the people who work behind every training session and every match. They were years full of learning, sacrifice, unforgettable moments, memories and friends that I will carry with me forever. Thank you, Real Madrid."
Real Madrid have protected their long-term interests in the deal. Beyond the €8m fee, Los Blancos will receive 50 per cent of any future resale of the defender and have inserted a buy-back clause into the agreement.
For Fiorentina, the signing is an investment in the future: the club has secured one of the most interesting young profiles to emerge from Real Madrid's academy, adding depth to a squad being reshaped ahead of the new Serie A season. Valdepeñas becomes the latest addition to the Viola's summer recruitment drive as the club look to improve on last season's campaign.
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