Vinicius Junior will spend this season playing for Real Madrid’s Castilla team rather than the first-team, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian – who joined Madrid in a €40m deal from Flamengo this summer – played in pre-season for the club but has not featured so far in a senior match.
A report from La Sexta Jugones says the 18-year-old is unlikely to earn a regular spot in Madrid’s matchday squads and the club see their de facto reserve side as a more fitting atmosphere for his development.
It was thought that the lack of forward signings by Madrid this summer coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit was afford the teenager more first-team opportunities.
However, it now appears unlikely with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio the starting trio and Borja Mayoral selected on the substitute’s bench.