Real Madrid bring in Jorge Rajado as academy links with Atletico de Madrid continue

Real Madrid have completed the signing of 20-year-old winger Jorge Rajado from city rivals Atletico de Madrid, continuing the movement of players between the academies of the Spanish capital’s two leading clubs.

Rajado indicated that the move had been finalised by posting a photograph of himself wearing a Real Madrid shirt on Instagram. The image appeared only a few days after he announced his departure from Atletico de Madrid, where he had spent 11 years.

The transfer follows a report by Spanish newspaper AS, which said Real Madrid had made a strong push to sign the player after he ended his contract with Atletico. Rajado’s departure left him free to move to the club’s biggest local rivals.

He had already confirmed the end of his time at Atletico de Madrid in an emotional farewell message.

“It is time to say goodbye to Atletico de Madrid,” Rajado wrote.

“It is difficult to explain what I feel, because I arrived here as a child and practically grew up inside this club. I spent a very important part of my life here, and I am taking many things and memories with me.”

Rajado also reflected on the experiences that shaped him during more than a decade with the club.

“I have lived through wonderful moments and others that were not so good, but I learned from every one of them. The most important thing for me is the people I met during these years – team-mates, coaches and everyone who was part of my daily life,” he added on Instagram.

The winger thanked the people who had supported him and placed their trust in him throughout his development.

“It is not easy to leave a place that was my home for 11 years, but I am also leaving extremely proud to have worn this shirt and defended this badge,” he said.

Rajado concluded his message by paying tribute to the club and the people he encountered there.

“Thank you for everything you have given me during these years. I will take many memories with me and, above all, many people whom I will never forget.”

Last season, Rajado made 16 appearances for Atletico de Madrid C and scored four goals. He also made an impression for the club in the UEFA Youth League, scoring once and converting a decisive penalty.

His arrival at Real Madrid adds another name to the growing list of players who have moved between the youth systems of Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid. The clubs had previously operated under an amicable agreement concerning transfers between their academies, but that arrangement ended in 2022.

Rajado’s move therefore represents another example of the continuing links between the two development systems, despite their rivalry at senior level. The player’s Instagram post provided the clearest public confirmation yet that his next chapter will be at Real Madrid.