Real Madrid youngster joins Stuttgart in bargain transfer with huge sell-on clause

Stuttgart have completed the signing of Real Madrid youth player Chema, paying €3 million (£2.6m/$3.5m) for 50 per cent of the player's rights, according to a report from BILD (h/t Sky). This move continues Madrid's trend of garnering significant revenue from youth player sales over the past decade.

Chema, per reports, was already in Germany to complete his medicals and sign his contract with Stuttgart. Madrid have inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause for the future and have also included a buy-back option, although the value of the clause is unknown as things stand. The 20-year-old made three appearances for the first team under Carlo Ancelotti last season, marking his debut in the Copa del Rey round of 32 against Minera in January.

Head coach Xabi Alonso is understood to be keeping a keen eye on the Spaniard's development in Stuttgart, who are set to feature in the Europa League next season. Chema has earned comparisons with Sergio Busquets and Rodri due to his slender frame, with Madrid having expectations that his stint in Germany will bear fruit just the way Dani Carvajal's one-season tenure with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2012-13 season did. It should also not be forgotten that Alvaro Carreras, who recently arrived at the club, also spent three years in the famed La Fabrica academy before being let go.

Chema is the sixth Real Madrid youth player to be sold this summer by the club. He joins Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Alvaro Rodriguez (Elche), Yusi (Alaves), Rafael Obrador (Benfica), and Jacobo Ramon (Como) in the list.

Los Blancos return to pre-season training on August 4. Alonso will have his task cut out following a humiliating semi-final exit at the hands of PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final. Madrid will open their campaign on August 19 against Osasuna.