Rodrygo: I won't be joining Real Madrid in January

The Brazilian celebrates his 18th birthday in January but the does not expect to swap Santos for Spain before July

Rodrygo Goes does not believe he will move to Real Madrid early as the Santos sensation prepares to join the Champions League holders in July.

La Liga giants Madrid agreed a fee reportedly in the region of €45 million fee (£39.3m/$52.2m) in June to sign 17-year-old Brazilian forward Rodrygo from Santos.

Rodrygo – who finished fourth in the Kopa Trophy standings behind winner Kylian Mbappe on Monday – celebrates his 18th birthday in January.

But the teenager does not expect to swap Santos for the Spanish capital in the winter window.

"I don't believe there is a chance I will leave for Madrid early," Rodrygo explained in an interview with Gazeta Esportiva . "It's agreed that I'm going in July.

"That agreement is between Santos and Real Madrid."

Rodrygo, who became the youngest goalscorer in Santos' history when he found the net in the Copa Libertadores against Nacional in March, has scored twice in his last three games.

And despite the big things expected in his future, the youngster said he is focused on his current club for the time being.

"I'm focused on Santos," he admitted.

"When I get there, I will think about it.

"For the moment I just want to stand out with Santos."

Rodrygo has netted eight time and added three assists in his 35 top-flight appearances to date in the Brazilian top flight.

He is set to join countryman and fellow Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior at Madrid after the winger completed his transfer from Flamengo in the off-season.

And while Vinicius has yet to really make his breakthrough with Los Blancos, the club's troubles in front of goal has left many wondering if they would push through a deal to bring Rodrygo to Spain this winter.