Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to sign 18-year-old Atletico Madrid academy gem – report
It has been three years since Real Madrid signed Jesus Fortea from the Atletico Madrid youth setup, breaking a pact that existed between the two clubs to not raid each other’s academies for young talents.
Since then, there have been a number of youth players who have switched sides between the two Spanish capital clubs, with another one set to do so in the summer.
Real Madrid land Aimar Garcia from Atletico Madrid
Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid have secured the signing of young defender Aimar Garcia from the Atletico Madrid youth ranks.
Garcia, 18, is a central defender with significant potential and an imposing physical presence, currently playing for Atletico C.
Aimar began in Villaverde’s academy, moved to Rayo Vallecano and even had a spell at Real Madrid earlier in his youth career. Injuries slowed his progress but he got back on track at Getafe before spending the past three years at Atletico.
Según comentaron ayer los compañeros de Mundo Deportivo, entró un canterano en la posición de Le Normand en el ensayo de Simeone.
— Jorge San Cristóbal (@jsancris_) October 17, 2025
Ese canterano es Aimar García, central-pivote de 18 años que suma su segunda temporada en el C.
Por poner en contexto su estatura: pic.twitter.com/OeIxCC4XFJ
In recent seasons he had not fully established himself as undisputed, which partly explains why, with his contract expiring in June, he had not renewed and was not firmly included in Atletico’s future plans.
However, Real Madrid, convinced of his potential, had been monitoring him for some time and have now decided to act.
Beyond Los Blancos’ scouts, first-team manager Alvaro Arbeloa had already taken note of him, as he also featured in the Juvenil A team competing in the UEFA Youth League. Now, he will make his way to La Fabrica in June when his contract expires.
Real Madrid followed the standard protocol by formally notifying the academy through official channels of their intention to begin negotiations. Mateu Alemany, Atleti’s sporting director, and Emilio Gutierrez, the academy general director, have been informed.
Aimar does not yet know with certainty where he will start next season, whether in Real Madrid C or directly in Castilla. It is not ruled out that he could begin pre-season with one side and finish with the other.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
