Real Madrid have reached a deal with Brazilian side Flamengo to sign forward Vinícius Júnior in July 2018, the Spanish champions declared on Tuesday. Vinícius has only one senior appearance for Flamengo, making his professional debut just ten days ago during a league game against Atlético Mineiro. The deal for the 16-year-old is valued at €46m (£39.6m), which would make him the second most costly signing from the Brazilian league in history. the foremost expensive is barcelona star Neymar, who moved from Santos in 2013 for an estimated €86m, a player Vinícius has been likened to. Barcelona were also interested in Vinícius, however were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him. Vinícius only signed a new contract with Flamengo last week, that extended his deal through to July 2019 and raised his acquisition clause from €30m to €46m. Madrid explained in a statement that they're going to own the rights to the Brazilian from July 2018, once he turns eighteen, however he will stay at Flamengo till July 2019 unless both sides agree otherwise. The teenager has made twenty two appearances for the Brazil U17s, scoring nineteen goals, and was the standout performer at the South American U17 football Championship, at that his Brazil side were crowned champions and he was the leading goalscorer with seven goals. Real described Vinícius on their website as “one of the brightest young talents in world football, a skilful, pacy attacker who is able to go past players and has an eye for goal.”
