Real Madrid News
Real Madrid consider the signing of teenage midfield prodigy a ‘done deal’ – report
As reported previously, Real Madrid have intensified their efforts to secure the signing of Racing Santander’s highly-rated midfielder Sergio Martinez, with the Spanish giants eager to wrap up a deal swiftly.
The 19-year-old has become one of the most coveted young talents in Spanish football, prompting a fierce recruitment battle that also includes arch-rivals FC Barcelona.
Contradicting reports on status of the deal
According to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, several insiders at Real Madrid already consider the transfer to be a virtually ‘done deal’.
However, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic states that the agreement is not yet fully finalized due to persistent interest from rival suitors.
Martinez possesses a highly enticing €3 million release clause. However, in line with their typical transfer strategy, Los Blancos are actively attempting to negotiate a fee with Racing rather than unilaterally triggering the buyout fee.
A stunning La Liga introduction
Martinez’s stock has risen exponentially over the last week following a remarkable La Liga debut.
Having only recently transitioned out of Racing’s youth ranks, the Spain Under-18 international was handed a starting berth against Villarreal. He marked the occasion by scoring a spectacular goal to help his side secure a 2-2 draw.
This immediate, high-profile impact has forced interested clubs to accelerate their timelines.
Evaluating the ideal pathway
Initially, Real Madrid’s sporting directors intended to immediately integrate the teenager into the Castilla side. However, his demonstrated readiness for senior football has altered the club’s thinking.
The current framework of the negotiation could see Real Madrid permanently sign Martinez before immediately loaning him back to Racing Santander for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.
This approach guarantees the player consistent first-team minutes in La Liga while securing his long-term future at Valdebebas.
Nonetheless, to facilitate the transfer, discussions have also taken place regarding the possibility of sending an unnamed Real Madrid academy product in the opposite direction to supplement Racing’s squad.
With less than two weeks remaining before the summer transfer window slams shut, Real Madrid are working to iron out the final details and officially ward off late competition for Spain’s brightest midfield prospect.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho’s two options to start as Valverde’s midfield partners for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
Real Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis will undoubtedly affect the internal dressing room atmosphere at the club, for it not only marked their first defeat of the season but also their first loss after Jose Mourinho’s return.
There is, however, not much time to lose as Los Blancos have another tricky game coming at them hard and fast.
Midweek, they play host to Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, pitting them against one of the strongest teams in the world.
The break in momentum is undoubtedly a worry for Mourinho ahead of the clash, but there is a bigger crisis he faces in midfield which can directly influence the result of the game.
Two unlikely candidates to start
Heading into the game against the Serie A giants, Federico Valverde is the only guaranteed starter in the double pivot for Real Madrid.
Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are all out through suspension while Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured and will not feature.
The situation calls for a creative solution, and Defensa Central confirm that Jose Mourinho does have surprises up his sleeve.
Two unlikely candidates are currently in a battle to start alongside Valverde – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jorge Cestero.
As matters stand, those at the club believe they are the two best players to fill into the defensive midfield role on the night. They will, however, continue to monitor training before reaching a final decision.
Other options on the horizon
The Spanish outlet further confirms that the coaching staff are keeping an open mind in terms of handling the situation and will monitor other possible options this week in training.
Brahim Diaz, and even Jude Bellingham could emerge as an option to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, and the manager must pick the right candidate given the level of the opposition.
New Real Madrid Castilla signing Sergio Martinez is also an option to feature and fill the pivot void on the night.
He has already made his debut with the subsidiary team and is an option for Mourinho, although a relatively less-likely one.
