With a contract running until 2030.. Real Madrid seals the deal for Ghanaian "Beast" from Spain's third tier

Real Madrid have reportedly completed the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Latif Issman from Spanish third tier club UD Logrones securing one of the emerging talents in Primera Federacion ahead of the 2027 /28 season.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the agreement was finalised on Thursday 12 November, following several months of interest from the Spanish giants.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano subsequently reported that Issman had signed a contract running until June 2030 and would initially join Real Madrid Castilla.

However, the midfielder will remain with Logroñés until the end of the current campaign.

The move represents a remarkable opportunity for a player who was still developing in Logrones' youth system less than two years ago.

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Who is Latif Issman?

Born on 1 November 2006, Latif Basir Issman Hamidu has just turned 20 and has developed through Spanish football's lower divisions.

The Ghanaian midfielder began his football education at SD Logrones before joining UD Logrones where his progress accelerated.

Initially expected to develop with the reserve team, Issman impressed senior coach Unai Mendia and earned opportunities with the first team during the 2025 /26 season.

He subsequently participated in all four promotion playoff matches as Logrones secured their return to Primera Federacion.

His development continued this season, with eight starts in his opening ten league appearances and one assist.

Standing approximately 1.82 metres tall, Issman is a right footed central midfielder capable of operating as a defensive pivot or in a more advanced midfield role.

His physical strength, defensive work rate and ability to carry the ball through opposition lines have attracted particular attention.

Mendia even nicknamed him "the animal" because of his intensity and competitiveness.

Why did Real Madrid move for Issman?

Madrid's interest dates back to the summer transfer window when an initial attempt to secure the midfielder failed to produce an agreement.

Rather than abandoning the pursuit, the club continued monitoring his performances before renewing negotiations.

The agreement also reflects the existing relationship between Real Madrid and UD Logrones.

The clubs previously negotiated the transfer of young winger Manex Rezola who joined Madrid's development structure during the previous winter window.

Issman's arrival will continue that connection.

His signing also fits Madrid's wider interest in emerging African talent, with the club having previously pursued Ghanaian defender Oscar Naasei from Granada, as Foot Africa reported in August.

Castilla first.. What happens next?

Despite the attention surrounding his move, Issman is not being recruited as an immediate first team signing.

His initial destination is Castilla which also competes in Spain's third tier.

The difference is the development pathway available through Madrid's reserve structure where strong performances could eventually create opportunities at a higher level.

Logrones coach Unai Mendia has confirmed that he expects the youngster to remain with his current team until the end of the season, allowing him to continue gaining competitive experience before the transfer takes effect.

No immediate promotion to Madrid's first team has been announced.

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.

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