REAL MADRID have confirmed the controversial signing of Theo Hernandez from rivals Atletico.
The left-back will move to the Bernabeu for a reported fee of £22.8million.
Hernandez, 19, has agreed a six-year deal with Zinedine Zidane’s side and has already completed his medical.
He will be officially presented to the media on Friday evening.
Hernandez – whose brother Lucas also plays for Atletico – impressed during a loan spell with Alaves last season.
The starlet has been at the club since he was 11 but has never made a competitive appearance for the Rojiblancos.
Yet his cross-city move will come as major slap in the face to the Atletico hierarchy.
Atleti flatly refusing any dealings with their neighbours – and the move reportedly breaks a historic ‘non-aggression pact’ between the clubs.
Real Madrid transfer news
But Real left them with no choice after triggering the release clause in the defender’s contract.
Atletico confirmed in a statement that Hernandez – who is eligible for France and Spain – rejected “several” offers to commit to a new deal.
It read: “The player, who had a contract until 2021, has repeatedly rejected proposals for renewal at Atletico Madrid as well as offers from other European clubs for his services.
“While at the same time he has repeatedly expressed his firm desire to play for Real Madrid.”
Real said in a statement: “Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have agreed to the transfer of Theo Hernandez, who is to sign for the club for the next six seasons.”
Hernandez is tipped as a long-term successor to Marcelo in Zidane’s backline.
He played 38 games in all competitions for Alaves last term and netted twice as the newly-promoted side finished a creditable ninth in La Liga.
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