Real Madrid News
Real Madrid close to signing Spanish prodigy with €3 million release clause
According to MARCA, Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of Racing Santander teenage midfielder Sergio Martinez.
The 19-year-old prospect has a €3 million release clause in his contract at the Cantabrian club, and a move to Madrid is now understood to be close.
A product of the Racing Santander academy, Martinez made his first-team breakthrough last season, making just 10 appearances in the Spanish second division.
This past weekend he made his La Liga debut and was one of the biggest surprises in the starting lineup against Villarreal.
And, it was a debut to remember for Martinez as the midfielder scored in his first top-flight appearance, sending a spectacular strike into the top corner.
Real Madrid move in
Whether that performance was the reason or not, Real Madrid quickly took notice of the midfielder.
Having been monitoring him since January, the Spanish capital club decided to step up their pursuit and make a move to sign him.
His €3 million release clause initially appeared to be an obstacle, not because of Real Madrid’s financial capacity, but because of the club’s intentions.
However, everything appears to have accelerated over the past few hours, with indications that he is now close to joining the club.
The initial plan is for Martinez to be registered with Real Madrid Castilla, although he could also train regularly with the first team.
Racing, meanwhile, are trying to keep hold of the youngster for another season on loan.
Sergio Martinez’s profile
Martinez is a 19-year-old midfielder born in 2007. He is primarily a central midfielder who is disciplined and known for his excellent positioning.
He is more of a holding midfielder than a player focused on arriving in the final third, although his debut showed that he can make an impact when he does get forward.
Martinez is comfortable on the ball and also brings plenty of work rate to his game.
In his first La Liga appearance, he played 69 minutes, covered a total of 8 kilometers, and scored with his only shot on target. He also won four of eight duels, committed three fouls, made one successful tackle and recorded one recovery.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
