Real Madrid bring in Granada teenager Rayan Zinbi for Castilla development plan

Real Madrid have agreed to sign Morocco Under-20 forward Rayan Zinbi on loan from Granada for the 2026-27 season, with the 19-year-old set to join the Spanish club’s reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla.

The move is part of Real Madrid’s strategy of recruiting and developing promising young players. Zinbi will have the opportunity to continue his progress within one of Europe’s leading football organisations after breaking into Granada’s senior set-up.

Granada confirmed that Zinbi has extended his contract with the club until 30 June 2029. The agreement also includes the possibility of a further two-year extension, subject to the player reaching a number of sporting targets.

At the same time, Granada reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Zinbi to spend the 2026-27 campaign on loan at Castilla. The arrangement gives the Spanish-Moroccan forward the chance to gain experience in Real Madrid’s second team while remaining under contract with Granada.

Zinbi is currently representing Morocco Under-20s at the 2026 Mediterranean Games. His international involvement will come before his move to Madrid, with the striker expected to begin his new spell at Castilla once his participation with Morocco has ended.

The forward joined Granada last summer and made his first-team debut in the Segunda Division during the season. He also took part in the club’s pre-season preparations under manager Jose Rojo “Pacheta” before leaving to join up with the Morocco Under-20 squad.

Granada regard Zinbi as one of the most notable young players to have emerged from their academy in recent years. He is also considered one of the promising attacking talents in African football, which encouraged Real Madrid to pursue a deal and place him in an environment designed to support his development.

The transfer makes Zinbi the second player to move from Granada to Real Madrid within a matter of days. Ghanaian defender Oscar Nasi had already joined Castilla, underlining the Spanish club’s interest in the young talent being produced by Granada.

For Zinbi, the loan represents a significant new stage in his career. He will now train and compete within Real Madrid’s structure, where he will aim to develop his game, build experience and demonstrate that he can eventually challenge for a place among the club’s senior players.

His immediate focus, however, remains with Morocco Under-20s at the Mediterranean Games. After that tournament, he will make the switch to Real Madrid Castilla and begin his season-long loan in the Spanish capital.