EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS REAL Madrid have completed the signing of Brazilian under-21 international midfielder Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro.
The deal cost Los Blancos a reported €14 million (£10.5 million) with Silva agreeing a five-and-a-half year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid and Cruzeiro have reached an agreement for the transfer of LucasSilva, who will be tied to the club until June 30, 2020,” said a statement on Madrid’s website.
“It is right that I waived my right to 10 per cent of the transfer fee so I could join Real Madrid,” the Brazilian told Marca.
It was best for all concerned and at this stage all I wanted was to play for Real Madrid. I’ve been given a unique opportunity and I want to make the most of it.
“Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world, but I feel up for the challenge and I’m really excited. I know I’m going to a club where there’s a lot of competition, who play in a very tough league and the Champions League, but I’m ready for all of that.”
Silva becomes Madrid’s second signing of the January transfer window after 16-year-old Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard sealed his switch from Stromsgodset on Friday.
Silva shot to prominence as Cruzeiro claimed a second consecutive Brazilian title in 2014.
His arrival is likely to precipitate the departure of Asier Illarramendi, who has been linked with a 25 million euro switch to Athletic Bilbao.
