Real Madrid academy graduate Manu Serrano is set to continue his development away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with the young left-back heading to Deportivo La Coruña in search of regular senior football.
According to MARCA, the 22-year-old will join Deportivo and initially link up with the club’s reserve team.
The move is nevertheless understood to offer a clear pathway towards the first team, with his multi-year contract including the possibility of a promotion as early as next season.
For Serrano, the transfer brings an end to a long spell at the Real Madrid academy and opens the door to a new chapter at a club looking to establish itself again at the highest level of Spanish football.
Manu Serrano leaves Real MadridSerrano joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2018 after arriving from Getafe at the age of 14.
Manu Serrano is set to move to Deportivo. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Over the following years, he worked his way through the various age groups at La Fábrica before eventually establishing himself as part of the Real Madrid Castilla setup.
His journey through the academy also gave him the chance to make an official appearance for Real Madrid’s first team.
That moment arrived last May in a victory over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu. Serrano was introduced in the 84th minute, marking his senior debut for Los Blancos.
The youngster replaced Dani Carvajal on what was the captain’s final appearance in the white shirt, making Serrano’s brief but memorable introduction one he is unlikely to forget.
Serrano offered pathway towards first-team footballView this post on InstagramDespite reaching the first team, Serrano faced an extremely difficult battle for consistent opportunities at Real Madrid.
The competition for places at a club of that stature naturally makes it difficult for many academy players to secure the regular playing time needed for their development.
Deportivo now offers Serrano a fresh opportunity to build his senior career.
Although he will initially begin with the reserve side, there is a clear route towards the first-team squad if he can make the desired impression.
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