Real Madrid News
21-year-old Real Madrid youngster’s renewal up in the air, negotiations ongoing – report
Real Madrid have experienced an influx of talent from the youth squads, with considerable success in the lower divisions.
Rafa Marin is labelled as one of the club’s brightest prospects and is seen with great potential for the future.
According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, renewal talks for Marin, whose contract expires next year, are still in progress. The defender has consistently stated that staying is his top objective, but anything can happen. His renewal is up in the air as things stand.
Reports earlier this year claimed the player is willing to continue fighting for a place at his boyhood club amid interest from several English powerhouses.
There have been several top clubs who have shown an interest in the 21-year-old centre-back. Chelsea, for one, have been listed as a potential suitor in the past. However, Marin has insisted that he wishes to continue in Madrid.
Now, it seems that, while talks for the talent are underway, a departure cannot be ruled out, especially if a big side from Europe comes knocking.
Marin attended many Spanish clubs’ academies before joining Real Madrid six years ago. The 21-year-old advanced quickly through the ranks and broke into the Castilla outfit in 2021.
Since that time, he has consistently played at the back for Raul Gonzalez’s side without getting a chance to play for the first team. He has been key to Castilla’s run to the promotion playoffs this season as they are just one win away from securing a bump up to La Liga 2.
Competition in the senior setup is something that may deter Marin from renewing, but if he accepts continuity, the likelihood of him achieving first-team football eventually may not be a distant reality.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
