Theo Hernandez Completes Real Madrid Transfer from Atletico on 6-Year Contract

Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Theo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with the left-back penning a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

News the switch had gone through came via the Los Blancos website, with the club revealing they will present the player to the press on Monday.

Hernandez spent last season on loan at Alaves from Atletico and established a reputation as one of La Liga’s most exciting rising stars.

Atletico released a statement on their own website, advising their supporters they had no option other than to sell to their great rivals. 

According to the club, Hernandez "repeatedly rejected proposals for renewal at Atletico and offers from different European clubs for his services, while at the same time has repeatedly expressed his firm desire to play for Real Madrid," per Football Espana.

Here's a look at why Los Blancos have swooped to secure the 19-year-old for the next six seasons:

Hernandez departs Atletico having never represented the senior side at the Vicente Calderon, and the club's fans will lament his departure.

After all, at Alaves, he showcased all the attributes you need to be a fantastic modern-day full-back. Hernandez has reserves of energy, is strong on the ball and has a tremendous appetite for raiding forward.

Arguably his biggest attribute is his blistering pace, though. The teenager's ability to eat up the ground with a loping stride is similar to the running style of current Madrid star Gareth Bale.

As noted by WhoScored.com, it makes Hernandez hard for opponents to halt:

Hernandez is unlikely to be thrust straight into the starting XI by manager Zinedine Zidane, as Real already have one of the best left-backs in the world on their books in Marcelo. But with the club confirming on Wednesday on their website that Fabio Coentrao had joined Sporting CP on loan, the youngster will be deputy to the Brazilian.

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Given the Spanish and European champions will be involved in so many different competitions next season, Hernandez will get chances aplenty to impress.

Having had Marcelo cement his place on the left side of the defence since joining the club a decade ago, in Hernandez, they may well have secured another left-back with potential for just as much longevity.