Fernando Pacheco to Deportivo Alaves: Latest Transfer Details and Reaction

Real Madrid confirmed the sale of 23-year-old goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco to Deportivo Alaves on Friday, but Los Blancos inserted a buyback clause in the deal, reserving the right to bring him back to the Spanish capital at some point in the future.  

Real announced the news on their official website, and no official transfer fee or contract details were provided.

A youth product of the club, Pacheco has hardly featured for Real's senior side over the course of his career. Iker Casillas had an iron grip on the starting position for years, and with Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla both in the squad for the 2015-16 season, a move away from Madrid was needed in order to guarantee playing time.

Some, including Goal UK, immediately linked news of the transfer to Manchester United's David De Gea, who is still a reported transfer target for Los Blancos, per Sky Sports' Guillem Balague.

New Real manager Rafael Benitez told reporters he planned to send out Pacheco on loan just days ago, per the club's official website, but it now seems the former Liverpool manager has changed his mind.

Inserting the buyback clause into the deal accomplishes roughly the same thing, however. If the young stopper continues his development with Alaves, Los Blancos won't hesitate to bring him back to the club.

Competition for the starting position remains fierce, however, and should De Gea join Los Blancos at some point in the future, it's hard to see how Pacheco would fit in. In all likelihood, his days of playing for Real are over.

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