Villarreal has made its first signing of the season after acquiring the services of youngster, Iván Alejo from Atlético Madrid on a free transfer after Atleti opted not to renew Alejo's contract. Alejo has signed a three year contract with the Yellow Submarine. Ideally, he'd be part of the B team with hopes of being promoted to the first team.
Ivi, as he is known with the colchoneros, will be joining the B team initially, although it's quite possible that he could be added to squad for the pre-season with the first team. The club's policy of rewarding the cantera and the thrust Marcelino has given the youth has convinced Alejo to sign for Villarreal. Marcelino likes the speed and trickery of the right winger. Despite having other offers, Alejo preferred to sign with Villarreal.
Atleti had the unilateral option of retaining Alejo by giving him a first team contract but they ruled out that option, and he goes on a free transfer. The whole operation has been wasteful for Atleti as they will lose one of their most promisng players and they won't see a cent of the transfer since they rejected an offer of 2M from an English team for Alejo last year.
By signing Alejo, Villarreal will be hoping to recreate the success of recruiting former Atleti canteranos such as Sergio Marcos, Rodri Hernandez, and Dani Marquez, all whom have come out from the Atleti cantera and they have come to bear fruit with the Yellow Submarine.