Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to rub shoulders for young LaLiga defender

Fierce rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set for a transfer battle over Real Valladolid’s rising star Mohammad Salisu, as per reports from The Athletic.

At just 20, Salisu has earned the name ‘The Wall of Valladolid’ after a standout season so far. Having come through the ranks of local club African Talent Football Academy, the Ghanaian switched to Valladolid’s youth team in 2017 upon being hunted by a group of Spanish scouts.

He particularly earned praise for his decisive defending during his side’s 0-0 stalemate against Atleti, and for scoring his first senior goal and keeping a clean sheet against Eibar.

Salisu, despite scanty experience in the top flight, fits the modern-day central defender mould for his strength and ball-playing abilities.

Atleti were linked to the youngster earlier in February, after the likes of Valencia and Getafe failed to convince him despite sustained interest.

And now, it is understood that Los Blancos have also entered the race for him, since it would be a remarkable budget option for a release clause that reads just £10 million in today’s market.

Salisu is making the vertical progress upward, and from what we’ve seen, he is determined to remain loyal to the White and Violets. However, the stature of the Madrid clubs can tempt any player on the planet.