Real Madrid: Greece keen on 19-year-old blooding goal machine Vassi

Christian Vassilakis has been in excellent form for the Real Madrid juniors and Greece are eager to snap him up for the under-19 Euros.

The Greek Football Federation (HFF) is attempting to push through the necessary paperwork to snap up Real Madrid youth teamer Christian Vassilakis in time to include the 17-year-old striker in their squad for the European Under-19 qualification Elite Round in March.

Vassi, as the Valencia-born forward is known, qualifies for Greek nationality through his grandfather and the HFF has for months been attempting to snap him up with an eye on a senior cap to ensure he plies his international trade for Greece. The highly rated teenager banged in more than 500 goals in Valencia’s youth set-up before moving to Real Madrid last season after a spell at Villarreal.

Atlético Madrid attempted to sign Vassi two years ago but were impeded by a FIFA ban on signing players, leaving Real Madrid free to make their move.

Greece see future of national side in Vassi

In recent weeks the HFF has been intensifying its attempt to nationalize Vassi, with the Spanish Football Federation yet to state any intention to prevent them from doing so.

Vassi has been in excellent form for the Madrid under-18s, scoring four goals in just 20 minutes against Barrio del Pilar and hitting nine overall despite being moved out to the wing largely this season under Álvaro Benito.

Greece will play England, Denmark and the Czech Republic in the Elite Round for a place at the 2019 under-19 European Championship in Armenia.