Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s imminent new signing will earn €800,000 annual salary – report
Real Madrid appear to have made yet another coup in the transfer market, with Sergio Martinez set to join the club from Racing Santander.
The Martinez deal has already received the customary ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano, capping off what has been a productive summer of recruitment at various levels for Los Blancos.
The 19-year-old is highly regarded across Europe, and Real Madrid have moved swiftly to beat off competition for his signature.
Martinez set to earn almost €1 million
As per ESPN’s Rodra, Martinez made his decision on Thursday and will play for Castilla under Julian Lopez de Lerma, residing at Valdebebas while earning an annual salary approaching €800,000.
He will join immediately rather than being loaned back to Racing, and he did so despite strong interest from clubs in England, Germany and Saudi Arabia.
According to Romano, Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Martinez in a move worth around €3 million, with the youngster penning a contract until 2030.
Reports had suggested both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also made attempts to sign the 19-year-old, only for Real Madrid to win the race.
How he could fit in
Martinez arrives at an opportune moment, given the significant exodus Castilla have endured this summer.
The reserve side have lost a host of talents, with the likes of Jacobo Ortega, Manuel Angel and David Jimenez all either gone or have been linked with a way out.
That clear-out has left plenty of room for fresh faces to step in and stake their claim, and Martinez is well placed to do exactly that.
Romano reports that Jose Mourinho is personally involved in the deal, and that Martinez will also train with the first team, where he is already regarded as a major talent.
That involvement suggests Real Madrid see genuine long-term potential in him, much like they do with Thiago Pitarch.
For now, Martinez will look to establish himself at Castilla, but with Mourinho already monitoring his pro
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
