Sergio Martínez chooses Real Madrid and is set to sign until 2030

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on another young Spanish prospect. According to AS, Sergio Martínez has decided to leave Racing Santander and sign a contract with Madrid running until 2030.

The 19-year-old midfielder is initially expected to join Castilla while remaining close to the senior squad. The plan includes selected training sessions under José Mourinho and a gradual assessment of his readiness for first-team football.

It represents an unusual step for Martínez. Racing have just returned to LaLiga and the academy graduate began the season in their starting line-up. Moving to Madrid means exchanging immediate top-flight football for the Primera Federación. In return, he receives a route towards one of the least patient first teams in world football.

Martínez attracted wider attention on the opening matchday when he scored an excellent goal from outside the penalty area to put Racing 2-0 ahead against Villarreal. He had made ten second-division appearances during the previous campaign and contributed to the club’s promotion.

Madrid had monitored the midfielder for more than a year. His goal against Villarreal did not create their interest, but it may have accelerated the operation. Other clubs began making approaches before he had properly settled into life in LaLiga.

Martínez has a €3 million release clause. Madrid reportedly decided against activating it unilaterally and instead reached an agreement directly with Racing, avoiding unnecessary tension over the departure of one of the Santander club’s academy players.

Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal and teams from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Saudi Arabia are also said to have made enquiries. Martínez nevertheless chose Madrid, with the possibility of gradually reaching the first team proving decisive.

This is not a transfer designed to change Mourinho’s senior squad immediately. Madrid are purchasing potential and leaving Castilla responsible for discovering how quickly the 19-year-old can handle the next stage of his development.

Three million euros cannot guarantee a future first-team player. In the current market, it is a reasonable price for the opportunity to find out before Barcelona, Atlético and every other interested club.

Neither Real Madrid nor Racing have officially announced the transfer. AS nevertheless reports that Martínez has made his decision, his contract will run until 2030 and Castilla will be his first destination.