Real Madrid have signed Santos youngster Willian Jose on loan for the remainder of this season, with the striker arriving in Spain in a similar deal to the one that initially brought Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to the club last year.
The 22-year old will link up with Real Madrid B where he’ll be hoping to impress in the Segunda Division and earn a permanent deal in the summer. While Real Madrid aren’t struggling for goals near the top of the La Liga table, and still a great bet with Betfair.com for this season’s title, it’s a different story for the club’s reserve side.
Willian will join a Real Madrid B team bottom of Spain’s second tier, and the striker will be looking to help turn the team’s fortunes around after a dismal first half of the season that sees them among the favourites with Betfair to be relegated. The striker first came to Real’s attention after his starring role in Brazil’s 2011 U20 World Cup campaign, scoring twice and helping the Betfair favourites to the title.
A Madrid statement confirmed the move: “Willian Jose da Silva, 22-year-old striker who played in the last Campeonato Brasileiro with Santos, has signed a contract which will see him join Real Madrid Castilla on loan until June of this year. The club reserve the option to buy.”
The former Brazil Under-20 star, who spent time with Brazilian giants Santos, Gremio and Sao Paulo before his move to Europe, will be able to look at compatriot Casemiro for inspiration. The midfielder arrived at Real from Sao Paulo last year in a similar deal to Willian’s, going on to earn a four-year deal and break into Carlo Ancelotti’s first team squad this season.
(Article provided by Chris Peters, with thanks)
