Overview
- Racing Santander confirmed Monday that Real Madrid met Sergio Martínez’s €3 million release clause and completed the transfer with a single payment.
- The 19-year-old will be registered with Real Madrid Castilla while also getting chances to train with José Mourinho’s first team.
- Reporting cites journalist Alberto Pereiro that an existing UEFA/FIFA rule preventing a same-window sign-and-loan left Madrid unable to arrange an immediate loan back to Racing.
- Racing described Martínez as a homegrown player who joined the club at age 10, made 15 first-team appearances this season and scored on his La Liga debut.
- The move follows a Real Madrid pattern of buying young talent for development in Castilla and could reduce Martínez’s immediate senior minutes while keeping him close to the club’s coaching staff and pathway to the first team.