Real Madrid News
Real Madrid close in on €2 million loan-to-buy deal for 19-year-old forward for Castilla
Real Madrid are set to continue their busy work in the academy transfer market, with Granada forward Rayan Zinebi reportedly closing in on a move to Real Madrid Castilla.
According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Los Blancos have agreed a deal to bring the Barcelona-born Moroccan forward to Valdebebas on loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €2 million.
Zinebi is expected to join Castilla as a forward and is already preparing for the next step in his young career.
The player is currently away with Morocco’s Under-20 squad but will leave the training camp temporarily to undergo his Real Madrid medical before returning to international duty.
The potential signing comes during a period of major change for Real Madrid Castilla, with several young players leaving the club while others arrive as the academy continues to reshape its squad.
Zinebi set for medical before joining Real Madrid Castilla
According to the aforementioned information, the proposed deal would initially see Zinebi arrive at Real Madrid on loan, while the club would retain an option to buy him for €2 million.
El Real Madrid está a punto de fichar a Rayan Zinebi, delantero de 19 años procedente del Granada.
— Rodra (@Rodra10_97) August 20, 2026
Viene para reforzar al Castilla.
Actualmente está concentrado con la selección de Marruecos sub-20. @ESPNDeportes
The young forward has progressed quickly over the past few seasons, having started his development at UE Cornella before moving to AE Prat in 2023. His next major step came in September 2025, when he joined Granada.
Initially placed with Granada’s youth setup, Zinebi began making an impact with the reserve team. His performances, including goals at reserve level, helped him move closer to the senior squad.
By December, he had started training with Granada’s first team.
His progress continued in March 2026, when he made his senior debut for the Andalusian club after coming on as a late substitute.
That rapid rise appears to have caught Real Madrid’s attention.
If the deal is completed, Zinebi will strengthen Castilla’s attacking options as the club looks to build the next group of players capable of pushing towards the first team.
Castilla rebuild gathers pace
Zinebi’s expected arrival comes after a number of significant movements involving Real Madrid Castilla this summer.
One of the most notable departures is Jacobo Ortega, who has completed a move to French club Strasbourg.
As reported before, Real Madrid are set to receive €10 million in exchange for 70% of the youngster’s economic rights, bringing an end to his time in the academy while allowing the Spanish giants to benefit financially from his departure.
Another Castilla player, goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez, has also completed a move away.
Sevilla have signed the young goalkeeper in a deal worth around €3 million for 50% of his economic rights.
Real Madrid have retained the remaining 50% and secured buy-back clauses, giving them the option to bring Gonzalez back in a future transfer window.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
