Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has joined Portuguese side Porto on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal.
A statement on the Porto website confirmed the player had signed and would be part of Julen Lopetegui’s side for the coming campaign.
“Porto have secured Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid for one season. The Dragons have an option to purchase him at the end of that period,” the statement read.
The 22-year-old signed for Los Blancos in January 2013, initially on a six-month loan, but impressed club officials enough that they brought him back on a permanent deal from Sao Paulo last summer for six million euros.
But the youngster found first team opportunities hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti, who preferred more experienced options such as Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, Angel di Maria and Sami Khedira.
Last season, in which Real won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, Casemiro made 11 appearances in La Liga, 10 as a substitute. He also featured in six Champions League fixtures but was not included in the squad as Los Blancos defeated Atletico de Madrid to claim their 10th European crown.
Should Porto be satisfied with his performances this season, they will have the right to buy him on a permanent deal next summer.
