English Premier League
Real Madrid agree deal to sign Racing Santander teenager Sergio Martinez
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez Montero, beating competition from Barcelona, Villarreal and a number of clubs from across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
The 19-year-old has agreed a contract running until 2030, according to Spanish newspaper AS on Saturday. Martinez is expected to join Real Madrid Castilla initially, while also being given the opportunity to train with the first team under manager Jose Mourinho.
Martinez emerged as one of the most closely watched young talents in Spanish football after making his senior debut for Racing Santander during the latter stages of last season. At that time, Racing were still competing in the Segunda Division.
The midfielder made 10 appearances in Spain’s second tier as Racing secured promotion to La Liga. He has continued to attract attention after making an immediate impact in the top flight, scoring in Racing’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal on the opening weekend of the season.
Martinez had the chance to leave Racing during the previous January transfer window but chose to remain with the club until the end of the campaign. That decision allowed him to remain part of the side that achieved promotion to La Liga.
AS reports that Real Madrid’s appeal, combined with the possibility of progressing into their senior squad, played a decisive role in the player’s choice. Martinez is understood to have remained committed to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu despite receiving approaches from several other clubs.
Over recent days, Racing Santander and the player were contacted by teams hoping to persuade him to change his plans. Those interested included Barcelona, Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal, as well as clubs from the Premier League, the Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League.
However, those efforts did not alter Martinez’s position. The teenager preferred to join Real Madrid and has chosen to continue his development within the club’s system.
Real Madrid also opted against simply activating the player’s €3m release clause. Instead, the club negotiated directly with Racing Santander in an attempt to avoid unnecessary tension during the transfer discussions and preserve a positive relationship between the two clubs for the future.
The agreement represents a significant step in Martinez’s rapid rise. Having only recently established himself in Racing Santander’s first team, he will now move to Real Madrid Castilla with the prospect of training alongside the senior squad.
His progress will be monitored by Mourinho’s coaching staff as Real Madrid assess when he may be ready for a greater role at first-team level. The midfielder’s performances for Racing, including his goal against Villarreal, have helped raise his profile during a period in which several leading clubs were competing for his signature.
For now, Martinez’s immediate route is expected to be through Castilla, but the long-term contract underlines Real Madrid’s confidence in his potential.
