Real Madrid to Sign Ghanaian Defender Oscar Naasei

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ghanaian defender Oscar Naasei Oppong from Granada, with negotiations said to be at an advanced stage.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Spanish giants have accelerated talks for the 21-year-old defender and are now close to reaching an agreement. If completed, Naasei is expected to initially join Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, rather than the senior first team. (Diario AS⁠)

Naasei, who was born in Accra on February 24, 2005, has emerged as one of Granada’s promising young defenders since joining the club’s academy from Ghanaian side Emmanuel City in 2023.

Standing at 1.85 metres, the versatile defender can operate at both centre-back and right-back. His physical strength and ability to play in multiple defensive positions are understood to be among the qualities that have attracted Real Madrid’s interest. (Pulse Ghana⁠)

The Madrid club had reportedly been monitoring Naasei since last season but stepped up their pursuit in recent weeks. Real Madrid have also moved ahead of other interested clubs, including Rayo Vallecano, in the race for his signature. (Diario AS⁠)

Naasei has made significant progress at Granada, moving through the club’s youth and reserve teams before making his first-team debut. He has also featured in Granada’s opening league matches of the current campaign, earning the trust of head coach Pacheta. (Diario AS⁠)

His development has also earned recognition at international level. The young defender received his first senior Ghana call-up earlier this year and made his debut for the Black Stars in a friendly against Mexico. (Pulse Ghana⁠)

The reported transfer would mark another major milestone in Naasei’s rapidly developing career. A move to Madrid would give the Ghanaian defender the opportunity to continue his development within one of Europe’s most prestigious football systems, with Castilla traditionally serving as a pathway to the Real Madrid first team.

While reports indicate that the deal is close, Real Madrid and Granada have yet to officially announce the transfer. (Pulse Ghana⁠)

If completed, Naasei’s move would represent another significant success story for Ghanaian football and place the young defender within touching distance of one of the biggest stages in world football.

Source: BBC