Sergio Martinez strike revives Real Madrid and Barcelona interest in Racing Santander prospect

Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez after the 19-year-old made a landmark La Liga debut, with his contract reportedly containing a €3m release clause.

Martinez scored on his first league appearance for Racing as they drew 2-2 with Villarreal on Sunday. His performance has renewed the interest of several leading clubs who had already considered a move for him during the previous season.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that Martinez’s goal has brought him back into the spotlight after Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal and other major clubs explored the possibility of signing him during the winter transfer window last season.

The midfielder started for Racing against Villarreal and marked his first La Liga appearance with an impressive finish. He struck a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner of the goal guarded by Luiz Junior.

Data from La Liga recorded the shot at a speed of 126.7 km/h.

Martinez was born in Laredo in 2007 and is currently 19 years and 93 days old. That makes him the youngest player to score for Racing on his La Liga debut during the 21st century.

His senior breakthrough has come only a year after his first appearance for Racing’s first team. He played a number of minutes against Castellon in an official match in 2025.

Martinez, who recently moved up from the club’s youth system, operates in midfield and is noted for his ability with his right foot. Although he still has a registration number with Racing’s reserve side, he has been promoted to the first-team squad.

Interest from three clubs

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal all made approaches for Martinez last season, but the player chose to remain with Racing. That decision meant he continued to feature regularly for the club’s reserve team, and he also turned down the opportunity to join Mirandes in the second division at that time.

The three clubs have continued to follow his progress since then. Martinez extended his Racing contract in November and is now tied to the club until 30 June 2029.

Racing are aware that the €3m release clause in the midfielder’s contract could become particularly attractive to potential suitors if he maintains his current level in La Liga.

The club will therefore attempt to protect the development of a player whose first top-flight appearance has already attracted renewed attention from two of Spain’s biggest clubs, as well as Villarreal.