As reported earlier this week, Real Madrid are among the top clubs keeping a close eye on Racing Santander starlet Sergio Martinez.
The Merengues have been tracking the 19-year-old midfielder since January earlier this year and continue to monitor him, along with bitter rivals FC Barcelona as well as Villarreal.
Real Madrid refuse to pay €3 million release clause
Despite their interest, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are refusing to pay the €3 million release clause in Martinez’s contract at Racing Santander.
The Spanish capital club had already made an approach to sign the teenager back in January but the move did not materialise.
Having stayed with the Cantabrian outfit, Martinez signed a new contract with the club until 2029, but the deal contains a very affordable €3 million release clause.
Martinez has a €3 million release clause. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
However, as things stand, Real Madrid are unwilling to meet that valuation for the teenage midfielder and are exploring other means to secure his signing.
Real Madrid’s plan for Martinez
As per the report, if Real Madrid are successful in signing Martinez from Racing Santander, the club’s plan is to make him a part of the club’s reserve team, RM Castilla.
Indeed, the Merengues see him as a player for the reserve team for now, where they are needing reinforcements in midfield after the departure of Cesar Palacios, the potential exit of Manuel Angel, and the first-team promotion of Thiago Pitarch.
Whether such a move would appeal to Martinez remains a big question, considering that he has broken into the first team at Racing and even made a memorable La Liga debut this past weekend.
Martinez scored on his La Liga debut vs Villarreal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Indeed, starting against Villarreal, the 19-year-old starlet scored a stunning goal in the newly-promoted club’s 2-2 draw in the opening matchday.
So, apart from the club’s unwillingness to pay his €3 million release clause, Real Madrid would also face the challenge of convincing him to play in the Spanish third division with Castilla.
It will be interesting to see how the story progresses as we enter the final phase of the summer transfer window.