Real Madrid completes signing of Theo Hernandez from Atletico

Atletico Madrid announced Wednesday that defender Theo Hernandez has officially joined city rival Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Los Blancos after the defending Liga champion reportedly activated the €24-million release clause in his Atletico contract.

Atletico revealed numerous attempts have been made to renew his contract, but the French international rejected the team's advances, as well as approaches from other European clubs in favour of joining Real.

A statement on the club's website read: "The player, who was under contract until 2021, has rejected several times the renewal offers of Atletico de Madrid and the offers of different European clubs to hire his services, as well as stating repeatedly his firm desire to play for Real Madrid."

Real Madrid announced Hernandez, who spent last season on loan with Alaves, will be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on July 10 following the completion of a medical.

Hernandez reportedly attracted interest last summer from Manchester City before signing a new contract until 2021 that saw his release clause rise from €6 million to €24 million.