Confirmed Atletico Madrid poach Real Madrid youth star on 2029 deal

2029 marks the end of a long‑term contract that Spain Under‑16 international Alvaro Vega has signed with Atletico Madrid, leaving Real Madrid’s academy to join their city rivals. The confirmed deal sees the promising winger swap Valdebebas for the Metropolitano as part of a multi‑year commitment.

Atletico confirmed the transfer officially, noting that Vega’s contract runs until 2029. He will initially integrate into the club’s Juvenil A side, continuing his development within one of Spain’s most competitive youth systems.

The move adds to a growing pattern of academy exchanges between the two Madrid clubs, with youngsters regularly moving from Valdebebas to the Metropolitano and vice versa. This latest swap underscores the increasingly fluid relationship between the rival youth setups.

“I'm really excited and can't wait to get started. I want to keep developing and progressing until, hopefully, I can make it into the first team,” Vega said after signing his new deal.

Vega has already represented Spain at Under‑16 level and was regarded as one of the most promising attacking talents in Real Madrid’s youth structure. His performances have attracted attention as he prepares for senior progression.

The contract's duration to 2029 gives Atletico ample time to oversee his growth as he later moves into the Under‑19 side. This pathway aligns with the club's strategy of nurturing talent through successive age groups.

Notably, the trend intensified after Jesus Fortea's transfer to Real Madrid in 2022, which altered the longstanding understanding between the clubs. That deal opened the door for more direct movement of young players across the city.

Since then, several prospects have travelled both ways, highlighting an increasingly active exchange of youth talent between Atletico and Real Madrid.