Cristiano Ronaldo officially signs free agent until 2032

Manchester United continue to monitor young talent across Europe as the club looks to build for both the present and the future.

While attention often centres on the Red Devils’ own transfer activity, several of the continent’s emerging prospects are beginning to make important career moves elsewhere.

One highly-rated defender has now secured the next step in his development after leaving Italy.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues his spending spree

UD Almeria have officially confirmed, via their website, the signing of Serbian centre-back Andrej Popovic ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 20-year-old arrives as a free agent after leaving Hellas Verona and has committed his future to the Spanish club by signing a long-term contract running until June 2032.

Andrej Popovic is regarded as one of Serbia’s promising young defenders after progressing through the renowned FK Partizan academy before moving to Italy during the 2024/25 season.

His arrival represents Almeria’s eighth signing of the summer as they continue rebuilding their squad following another unsuccessful promotion bid.

Earlier this year, the Spanish side narrowly missed out on an immediate return to La Liga after suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Málaga in the LaLiga Hypermotion play-off final, meaning they will spend another season in Spain’s second division.

Popovic joins a growing list of new arrivals, with Brian Cipenga, Jorge Pulido, Quim Junyent, Alex Sola, Leo Baptistao, Miguel de la Fuente and Andre Horta all signing for the club during the current transfer window.

The ambitious rebuild comes after Cristiano Ronaldo purchased a 25% ownership stake in Almeria through his company, CR7 Sports Investments.

The investment, alongside the club’s Saudi-led majority ownership, is expected to support Almeria’s international growth while placing a greater emphasis on youth development in the years ahead.

For Popovic, the move offers an opportunity to continue his progression with regular first-team football as he looks to establish himself in Spain after beginning his professional journey in Serbia and Italy.