Real Madrid have wrapped up one of the most exciting young signings of the summer transfer window. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madrid have sealed a deal for Martínez, who will move to the Spanish and European giants from Racing Santander. Romano confirmed on August 29 that Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martínez from Racing Santander, with Martínez joining Real immediately — no loan back to Racing — on a contract until 2030, in a deal worth €3m.
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How the Deal Was Done
Real Madrid closed in on an agreement with Racing Santander over the wonderkid, with Los Blancos triggering the €3 million release clause on Martínez’s contract with Racing, according to MARCA and The Athletic.
Romano claimed that José Mourinho himself “got involved” in the deal for Martínez.
He will play for Castilla, live in Valdebebas, and earn nearly €800,000 annually.
The Transfer at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Sergio Martínez Montero |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 2007 |
| Age | 19 |
| Place of Birth | Laredo, Cantabria, Spain |
| Height | 1.85m (6ft 1in) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| From | Racing Santander |
| To | Real Madrid |
| Fee | €3 Million |
| Contract | Until 2030 |
| Loan Back to Racing | No |
| Initial Destination | Real Madrid Castilla |
| Confirmed By | Fabrizio Romano |
| Announcement Date | August 29, 2026 |
Barcelona’s Failed Pursuit
According to AS, Barcelona were among the clubs that made calls to Martínez to try to convince him not to move to Madrid. However, Barcelona failed in their quest to change Martínez’s mind because he was determined to join only Los Blancos.
FC Barcelona and Villarreal were also interested in Martínez before Real Madrid’s move defined his future.
From Laredo to the Bernabéu — Martínez’s Journey
Sergio Martínez Montero was born on May 15, 2007, in Laredo, Cantabria. He joined Racing de Santander’s youth sides from hometown club CD Laredo.
Martínez’s rapid rise has been particularly striking. In the space of roughly seven months, he has gone from playing youth football at Racing to making an impression with the senior team and attracting interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal.
Martínez scored Racing’s second goal in their LaLiga EA Sports match against Villarreal at Campos de Sport de El Sardinero on August 16, 2026.
He has scored one goal and provided one assist in 15 matches in all competitions for Racing so far in his career.
What Kind of Player Is Martínez?
Martínez is a tall and versatile midfielder who can occupy several positions through the middle of the pitch. Standing around 1.85 metres, he has the physical profile to compete in deeper areas while also possessing the technical ability to contribute further forward.
Martínez would also be given opportunities around the first team as Madrid look to accelerate his development and assess his readiness. There could eventually be an opportunity for Martínez in Mourinho’s midfield, particularly after Madrid’s opening league fixture against Espanyol highlighted the need for a different profile.
Career Path
| Club | Years | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CD Laredo | — | Youth |
| Racing Santander (Youth) | 2017–2025 | Academy |
| Racing Santander B | 2025– | Senior |
| Racing Santander | 2025–2026 | First Team |
| Real Madrid Castilla | 2026– | Permanent |
Career Statistics at Racing Santander
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | LaLiga + Copa | 15 | 1 | 1 |
A Long-Term Investment
Martínez would represent more of a long-term investment than an immediate solution, but Madrid clearly believe his potential makes him worth pursuing now.
He is clearly a profile for the future, and Real Madrid is not necessarily going to see him as a first-team mainstay immediately.
Madrid’s interest was not based solely on his first appearances in La Liga. According to AS, the club had compiled reports on Martínez over recent months and believed his emergence was more than a short-term breakthrough.
The Athletic also claims that the Spanish giants had already considered making a move during the winter transfer window.
The Castilla Pathway
Martínez is set to be registered with Real Madrid Castilla as he begins his time at the club. Real Madrid’s Castilla side competes in Spain’s third tier — the same pathway that has previously produced several senior first-team graduates, giving Martínez a clear route towards Mourinho’s squad should his development continue at its current rate.
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FAQs
How much did Real Madrid pay for Sergio Martínez?
Martínez had a €3 million release clause in his contract, making the financial side of a potential deal relatively straightforward. Real Madrid triggered that clause to complete the signing.
Will Martínez be loaned back to Racing Santander?
Martínez will join Real immediately, with no loan back to Racing, on a contract until 2030.
Where will Sergio Martínez play at Real Madrid initially?
The midfielder will arrive as a Castilla player with training options with the first squad under the orders of José Mourinho.
Did other clubs try to sign Martínez before Real Madrid completed the deal?
According to AS, Barcelona were among the clubs that made calls to Martínez to try to convince him not to move to Madrid. However, Barcelona failed in their quest to change his mind because he was determined to join only Los Blancos.
What is Sergio Martínez’s salary at Real Madrid?
He will play for Castilla, live in Valdebebas, and earn nearly €800,000 annually.
