Jesus Vallejo to replace Pepe at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have confirmed that young defender Jesus Vallejo has been promoted to the senior squad for next season. This means he would be available for selection for the first team matches.

The 20 year old comes in as a direct replacement for the departing Pepe.

The youngster joined Real Madrid from Real Zaragoza in 2015, and was loaned back to Zaragoza. He joined German side Eintracht Frankfurt at the start of last season and was impressive before sustaining an injury in February.

He was part of the gold winning Spanish side to the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, and is part of the Spanish team to the about to start European Under-21 Championship where he is the captain and will hope to earn his place in the starting eleven.

He has been tipped as the new Sergio Ramos and will now have to compete with Varane, Nacho and Ramos for a starting place in Real Madrid's centre back next season.