Real Madrid sign Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander for reported €3m

Real Madrid have signed Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez after paying the full amount required to release him from his contract, with the transfer reported to be worth three million euros.

Racing confirmed the deal on Monday, bringing an end to Martinez’s time at the club after his impressive opening to the new season. The young midfielder scored against Villarreal in Racing’s first La Liga match, but he is expected to start his Real Madrid career with the club’s reserve side.

The move adds another player to an increasingly busy transfer window at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have strengthened their squad with several arrivals, including record signing Yan Diomande, as they attempt to build a team capable of challenging for major honours again.

The Spanish giants have gone two consecutive seasons without winning a major trophy. Their recruitment has formed part of a broader reshaping of the squad under manager Jose Mourinho, whose new-look side have made a perfect start to the current La Liga campaign.

Real Madrid have won each of their first three league matches. Mourinho will hope that early run can provide momentum as he aims to guide the club back to the top of Spanish football.

Martinez is expected to continue his development with Real Madrid’s reserve side before making any potential move into the first-team picture. His arrival follows a promising beginning to the season at Racing Santander, where his goal against Villarreal helped draw attention to the midfielder.

The reported three-million-euro fee reflects the payment made to activate the contractual release requirement. Racing’s announcement confirmed that Real Madrid had paid the full amount needed to take Martinez from the club.

Real Madrid’s next men’s fixture is away to Real Betis in La Liga on Friday. The match will be played at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, as Mourinho’s side look to maintain their winning start.

The signing of Martinez is the latest development in a transfer window that has already seen Real Madrid make a number of additions. Alongside the midfielder, the club have brought in several other players, with Diomande’s arrival described as a record signing.

The club’s business comes after two seasons without a major trophy and as Mourinho oversees a revised squad. For now, the team’s opening results have offered an ideal start, with three victories from three league matches.

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