Madrid agree deal for Porto defender, Militao

Real Madrid have announced an agreement to sign Porto defender Eder Militaoin the summer, marking the club’s first signing since Zinedine Zidane’s return as manager.

Militao, 21, will move to the Bernabeu in June on a six-year deal, Madrid announced in a statement.

The Brazilian only joined Porto from Sao Paulo last summer for €4 million. In a separate statement, Porto confirmed the fee would be €50 million. Spanish outlet Marca reported this week that the release clause would rise by 50 percent to €75m if a deal is not completed by July 15.

Militao has scored three goals for Porto this season, including one in the Champions League group-stage win over Schalke. He played in both legs of the round-of-16 victory over Roma that secured the Portuguese club’s place in the quarterfinal draw.

Zidane returned to Madrid this week, nine months after quitting Los Blancos to replace Santiago Solari, who was shown the door following a dismal two weeks which saw them lose two Clasicos to Barcelona and at home to Ajax. The defeats ended their interest in the Champions League and Copa del Rey — and left them 12 points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.

Madrid are third in La Liga, but have conceded more goals (32) than any other side in the top eight of the table except for sixth-placed Sevilla, who have let in 36.