Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Shakhtar Donetsk youngster Vinicius Tobias on loan, GOAL can confirm.
Vinicius will leave Shakhtar without a first-team appearance, having initially joined the Ukrainian club from Internacional in January.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has delayed the 18-year-old’s debut as the country’s league has also been suspended, and Madrid have seized the opportunity to sign him amid temporary changes to UEFA’s transfer rules.
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What are the terms of the deal?
UEFA has allowed foreign players playing in the Russian and Ukrainian leagues to sign contracts with new clubs without penalty until June.
GOAL can confirm that Vinicius has agreed an initial loan move to Los Blancos for the remainder of the 2021/22 season, with the Brazilian set to feature in the Castilla squad.
Madrid will have the option to make Vinicius permanent in the summer, but for now he will not be able to play for their senior team as he has not received a non-community letter.
What attracted Madrid to Vinicius?
Vinicius is considered one of the leading talents of the next generation in Brazil, and can play in several different positions.
The Shakhtar defender is a right-back, but can also operate in the middle and even as a winger, due to his impressive physique, pace and crossing ability.
GOAL understand that Madrid are looking for a right-back candidate for Carlo Ancelotti’s side from next season onwards, and Vinicius is likely to be plotted as that successor.
Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have been poised for the position this season but nothing has been too convincing, with Vinicius being touted as a possible long-term replacement.
