Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield target yet to make final decision on his future despite club’s clear interest
Around a week is left in the summer transfer window and, despite having already made six signings, Real Madrid still have a few open files to address.
From a first-team perspective, it is highly unlikely that Madrid would make new signings unless someone leaves.
However, the club could still look to strengthen Castilla with a view to some of those starlets being available for the first team.
One such player Madrid have been linked with is Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez, who has caught the eye for the newly promoted club.
The 19-year-old scored for Racing in their first game back in La Liga, and Madrid are looking to sign him for Castilla but with a role in the first team.
Now, according to The Athletic, the teenager has not yet made a final decision on his future even as Los Blancos continue to push hard.
Madrid pushing hard for Martinez
Madrid have been tracking the Spanish starlet from well before the current transfer window and had already considered moving for him in January.
Inside Valdebebas, there is optimism that the club can convince the midfielder to choose Real Madrid despite interest from Champions League clubs in England and Germany.
However, despite suggestions that Los Blancos were close to winning the race for his signature, it does seem like the door is wide open.
If Martinez does agree to join Madrid, the initial plan for him would be to play with Castilla while being involved in the first-team environment.
That would allow the youngster to continue developing and getting regular minutes while the first-team midfield situation is crowded.
However, it would also represent a step down in level for the teenager, who has already established himself in Racing Santander’s first team.
His release clause at Los Verdiblancos stands at around €3 million, making him very attainable for a club of Madrid’s stature.
The bigger challenge is convincing the player that it is sometimes important to pull the kite back to let it soar higher in the near future.
Mourinho wants another midfielder
The sporting argument could help Madrid.
The team felt the absence of a different midfield profile against Espanyol, and Mourinho would like another option capable of offering something distinct in that area.
Martinez is obviously not being viewed as an immediate solution to every midfield problem, but Madrid see enough potential to believe he can eventually push towards the first team.
However, he would also know at the back of his mind that someone like Thiago Pitarch is already there in the first-team picture and could be ahead of him in the pecking order.
While Madrid remain confident, it must be clear that the deal is not completed. They can continue to push for him but, ultimately, it is the player’s decision.
It remains to be seen whether Sergio Martinez decides to wear Madrid’s white, stay at Racing or move elsewhere to continue his career.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to honour two World Cup winners at Santiago Bernabeu during Real Sociedad clash
Real Madrid started their La Liga campaign on a winning note, with a late 2-1 win over Espanyol thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi.
They are now set to welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be their second league game of the season.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a more cohesive performance than the one against Espanyol and to see more positives against the Basque club.
Now, according to COPE, Los Blancos are set to stage a special tribute at the Bernabeu, with Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal due to be recognised for winning the World Cup with Spain.
The trophy itself will be present at the Bernabeu tomorrow as part of the ceremony, adding extra significance to the occasion.
Cucurella to receive Real Madrid tribute
Cucurella will be honoured by Real Madrid after returning from the tournament as a world champion.
The left-back joined Madrid this summer and has quickly become one of the most high-profile additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For the club, the tribute is a chance to celebrate both the achievement of one of their own players and Spain’s success on the biggest international stage.
It should also offer Cucurella a memorable Bernabeu moment early in his Madrid career.
Oyarzabal to be recognised by Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal will also be part of the celebrations, although his recognition will come from Real Sociedad.
COPE reports that both clubs will take part in honouring their respective World Cup winners, creating a shared moment before attention turns back to domestic competition.
Oyarzabal was one of Spain’s key figures during the tournament and remains one of Real Sociedad’s most important players.
For supporters inside the Bernabeu, it will be a rare opportunity to see the World Cup up close while celebrating two players who helped Spain lift it.
While most of the attention in the Bernabeu will understandably be on Cucurella, the fans should also take the opportunity to honour Oyarzabal.
Cucurella has arrived at the club not only as a major signing for the Mourinho era but as a world champion, and he is yet to get started properly in his Los Blancos career.
Tomorrow would give him the opportunity to receive the love that the Bernabeu gives him and use it as motivation to continue having memorable nights at the stadium in the seasons to come.
