Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers and Celtic have both expressed interest in Atletico Madrid prodigy Rodrigo Riquelme, according to reports in the Spanish publication Marca.
The two Old Firm clubs have been repeatedly linked with the 20-year-old over the past month or so and face competition from other European powerhouses like Hoffenheim and Ajax who have all expressed interest in the player whose contract at the Spanish capital expires in the summer.
20-year-old Rodrigo Riquelme is yet to agree on fresh terms with the Spanish giants and has a €30million release clause which could become null and void in the summer unless fresh terms can be agreed.
Having caught the eye during a 4-0 demolition of the Gers in a UEFA Youth League match, Rodrigo Riquelme could well be turning up for the first-team for either of the Scottish rivals during 2020/21.
Reports from Marca states that the proposal from Glasgow’s fierce rivals are among the vast array of options put forward to Riquelme as he ponders over his future while also harbouring intentions to feature prominently for the Atletico first team in the future.
Riquelme made his debut in a substitute appearance during Atletico’s 3-2 win over Eibar back in September and has also played in the Copa Del Rey this season indicating that his sparkling form has been recognised by Atletico boss Diego Simeone as well but his route to the first team still seems a long way off.
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— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) March 31, 2019
Rodrigo Riquelme was deployed on the right-hand side in that Eibar match but his best position could be playing in an attacking role behind a central striker either on the centre or the wings. His flexibility has already seen comparisons drawn with Antoine Griezmann and his performances have drawn attention from the man himself.
Rangers and Celtic both can afford a host of first-team chances to a player of his calibre and unless the player agrees to either of the proposals tabled with his agent, a loan move from Atletico might just present the ideal opportunity for the Spaniard to progress in his career.
The Glaswegian giants are constantly locked in a battle at the top of the division and might need to battle it out here as well. While a loan move might work out as the best possible solution for all the parties involved, the 20-year-old would represent a very impressive addition for Scottish Football as a whole if either of the two clubs manages to convince the player entourage about a permanent move to the Scottish Premiership.