Real Madrid win race for Racing Santander defender Sergio Martinez

Real Madrid have completed the signing of 19-year-old defender Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander for €3m, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Martinez will move to the Spanish giants immediately and will not return to Racing Santander on loan. His contract with Real Madrid will run until June 2030.

Romano announced the deal on social media, writing: “Real Madrid have agreed deal to sign 19 year old midfielder Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander, here we go! Martinez will join Real immediately, no loan to Racing; contract until 2030, deal worth €3m. The defender said no to English, German and Saudi clubs for Madrid.”

Although the social media post refers to Martinez as a midfielder, the player is described elsewhere in the report as a central defender.

The teenager reportedly turned down approaches from clubs in England, Germany and Saudi Arabia to complete his move to Real Madrid. The agreement was finalised during the current summer transfer window, with the Spanish club securing one of the young players regarded as a major prospect.

Martinez is expected to train with Real Madrid’s first team as well as continue his development within the club. Romano said Jose Mourinho was involved in choosing the player and that the defender is considered a “huge talent” by the club.

A further update stated: “The exclusive update of the day for Real Madrid: Sergio Martinez will sign now and join immediately, no loan. Jose Mourinho also got involved and Sergio will also train with the first team, seen as huge talent.”

The move represents another addition to Real Madrid’s defensive options, with the club opting to bring Martinez into the first-team environment rather than sending him back to Racing Santander for the season.

Mourinho had already backed the signing of 21-year-old Carlos Espi earlier this summer. Espi has been given a prominent role with Real Madrid during the current campaign, according to the report.

The latest deal underlines Real Madrid’s willingness to invest in emerging Spanish talent, with Martinez now tied to the club until June 2030 after choosing the move over offers from English, German and Saudi clubs.

The transfer was first reported by Romano on X, where he described the agreement as complete. The deal is valued at €3m, and Martinez is set to join Real Madrid without a loan arrangement involving Racing Santander.

Fans can discuss the transfer and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.