Samuel Omorodion: Why Atletico Madrid signed Granada wonderkid

LALIGA giants Atletico Madrid have explained why wonderkid Samuel Omorodion has joined the club on a long-term contract. 

Atleti confirmed on Monday evening that the club has sealed the signing of the youngster from fellow LALIGA team Granada. 

“Samu Omorodion has made a long-term commitment to our club, with whom he just signed a contract after undergoing the usual medical examinations,” the club said in a statement on their website.

The 19-year-old move to the capital started after a report that the club had activated his release clause at Granada after an impressive start to the season. 

He made his LALIGA debut against Atletico at the magnificent Wanda Metropolitano and proved to be a handful for Diego Simeone’s men.

Omorodion went on to open his account for the season with a sensational strike against his soon-to-be club. 

Samu’s goal turned out to be just a consolation as Atleti came from behind to thrash the visitors 3-1. 

However, the goal saw him enter the history books as he became the third youngster player to score for Granada in LALIGA history. 

The youngster’s performance and remarkable goal impressed Atletico enough for them to move swiftly to prise him away from Granada.

After he put pen to paper on a five-year contract, the club gave an insight into the decision to sign the youngster.

According to a statement on their website, Omorodion’s explosiveness and eye for goal which they saw first-hand in the season opener proved decisive. 

“The 19-year-old footballer plays as a striker who brings his physicality to the fore,” the club said.. “Furthermore, he combines it with exceptional coordination skills despite his 193cm. The centre-forward stands out for his explosiveness, being very fast while scoring very easily.”

With Omorodion now an Atletico player, Simeone may have finally found a replacement for Diego Costa and will be looking to see the wonderkid form a solid partnership with star man Antoine Griezmann.

The forward started his football journey in the Sevilla FC youth academy before his move to Granada in 2021. 

Last season he scored 18 goals in the Segunda RFEF with the Granada reserve team, which were key to his team's promotion. His great performances have caught the eye of the Spanish U-19 national team