Real Madrid and Barcelona go head-to-head for Spain U19 midfielder

Real Madrid & Barcelona both interested in signing Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez on loan with buy option.

Spanish youth star attracts La Liga giants

Real Madrid and Barcelona have entered transfer battle for Sergio Martinez, one of Racing Santander’s most promising young players and regular for Spain’s U19 team.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, both clubs have already made proposals to Racing aiming to sign the midfielder on loan deal that includes option to buy.

Martinez is under contract until 2029 but his future is now becoming major focus for the January window.

The report also noted that other clubs following the player but the two biggest names in Spanish football are currently leading the race.

Loan move or direct purchase possible

Both Madrid & Barcelona considering different approaches. While the initial offer is believed to involve loan with future purchase clause, AS added that neither club is ruling out direct transfer if Racing are open to selling.

Martinez is creative midfielder who can play in several roles including as defensive midfielder (6), central midfielder (8) or attacking midfielder (10).

His flexibility makes him attractive option for clubs building long-term squad depth.

Different development paths in Madrid and Barcelona

Real Madrid could place Martinez with Castilla who are pushing toward the play-off places in the Spanish third tier under Julian Lopez de Lierma following Alvaro Arbeloa’s promotion to the first team.

Barcelona meanwhile may use their reserve side coached by Juliano Belletti which is currently in the play-off zone in their Segunda RFEF group.

Both clubs see Martinez as player who can grow through their youth to first team system.

Racing situation has changed

Martinez started the season strongly and impressed during pre-season.

He even played as starter early in the campaign including key appearance in second match against Albacete.

However his role has reduced over time. Racing’s midfield strengthened with the arrival of Gustavo Puerta and the return of Magüette Gueye while further changes including Damian’s arrival and Aritz Aldasoro staying at the club, pushed Martinez out of the main squad.

He has now returned to playing with Rayo Cantabria Racing’s reserve team which could make loan move more likely.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Real Madrid

Barcelona