Fiorentina has officially announced the signing of central defender Victor Valdepenas, aged 19, from Real Madrid. The acquisition comes as the team prepares for a friendly match against Real Madrid today at 19:00 in Austria.
Fiorentina paid €8 million for Valdepenas’s services, with Real Madrid set to receive 50% of any future transfer fee. This agreement was established weeks ago but was delayed as Real Madrid’s coach, Jose Mourinho, wanted the player to remain during part of the preseason until other internationals returned from their vacations.
Victor Valdepenas Brings Competition to Radu Drăgușin’s Position
As part of the terms, Real Madrid retains a buy-back option valid for the next three seasons, similar to arrangements made for players such as Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon, with the buy-back fee estimated between €10 million and €12 million, according to AS.
Valdepenas, who will turn 20 in October, was part of the Spain U19 team that recently won the European Championship. He played only one match for Real Madrid’s senior team, contributing to a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves in La Liga.
“I am very happy to be here. The place is incredible, the training facility is remarkable, and the city is beautiful. On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited am I? I would say 20!” said Valdepenas on Fiorentina’s official website. “I have not yet had time to explore the city properly, but I have heard wonderful things about it, and I can’t wait to see it all.”
When asked what influenced his decision to join Fiorentina after his time at Real Madrid, Valdepenas credited conversations with former players. “This club has a great history, which I am aware of, even at a young age. The advice and experiences shared by players I spoke with genuinely convinced me to come here. I had discussions with Borja Valero, who is certainly the player I knew best from his past here. I am an aggressive defender, good technically and tactically, and also fast. I am truly excited to be here. I can’t wait to see all the fans at the stadium,” he added.
One of the players Valdepenas will compete with for a starting spot is Romanian international Radu Drăgușin, who has returned to Italy this summer on loan from Tottenham until 2027.
According to transfermarkt.com, Valdepenas’s market value is estimated at €5 million.
