According to journalist Jorge Picon, the Real Madrid travelling contingent that will take on Manchester City holds a surprise addition not widely recognized by fans: Jeremy de Leon, a player from Castilla.
Despite not being listed among the called-up players officially announced by the club, De Leon will still join the expedition and this inclusion marks his first-ever experience in the Champions League alongside the first team.
Typically, only players listed officially are sent on such trips. During the group stage, the club tends to utilize Youth League players for training sessions, given they are already playing against the same opponent.
However, this practice usually ceases after the Round of 16. Hence, it is notable that de Leon, who frequently trains with the team, has been added at the eleventh hour.
It must be noted that De Leon cannot play for the senior team against Manchester City. This is because as the rules state, he needs to be with the club for two uninterrupted years to qualify.
The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid from Castellon in January, turning down offers from Villarreal and Valencia because his heart was set on Madrid.
Under Raul’s guidance, he is still adjusting to his new team, but the Castilla coach sees him as a crucial player for the upcoming season.
Despite only playing a handful of games since arriving in the capital, both the coaching staff and the club are impressed with his skills and dedication.
For what it is worth, his arrival in Madrid ignited excitement back home in Puerto Rico, prompting a response from his compatriot singer Bad Bunny on Instagram.
Although he has only been playing for a few months and still has much to demonstrate, expectations are high for him, which is evident in his unofficial citation for the trip to Manchester.