Atletico Madrid have a very good academy, and last season, their U19 side – managed by Fernando Torres – won a league and cup double. That squad includes Paco Esteban, although he did not feature quite as often as he would have desired, largely due to the performances of Omar Janneh.
As such, Esteban has opted to leave Atleti with immediate effect. Diario AS have reported that he has agreed a deal to join Real Betis.
🚨🇪🇸 Breaking: Paco Esteban (18), one of Atlético Madrid’s great prospects, leaves the club for Real Betis due to lack of playtime.
The player once signed a contract until 2026 with a €50m release clause to prevent Liverpool and Juventus from taking him.@SergioPicos8 pic.twitter.com/tPy9HQxqJs
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 28, 2024
Esteban’s brother, Sergio, is staying at Atleti at this time, and he is considered to be one of the pearls of the academy. It means that the siblings will be split for the first time in their football careers.
There had been high hopes for Paco Esteban at Atletico Madrid, and he previously had a €50m release clause to ward off interest from Liverpool and Juventus. Alas, he is now departing the club for a nominal fee, if any at all.
