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Real Madrid Castilla forward Loren Zuniga has brought his time at the club to an end, with the young striker set to continue his career in Libya, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Zuniga has joined Al Madina, signing a three-year contract with the Tripoli-based club after completing a three-year spell in Real Madrid’s youth setup.
The move marks a major change for the forward, who arrived at La Fabrica in 2023 from Malaga and went on to progress through the club’s academy before earning his chance with Castilla last season.
During his time with Real Madrid Castilla, Zuniga scored six goals and gained valuable experience at senior level.
However, his next step will now take him away from Spanish football as he begins a new chapter in the Libyan league.
Loren Zuniga ends three-year Real Madrid journey
Zuniga joined Real Madrid with the aim of continuing his development within one of the most competitive youth systems in European football.
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After arriving from Malaga in 2023, the forward spent the next few years working his way through La Fabrica.
His progress eventually led to a place in the Castilla squad, where he was able to show his qualities at a higher level.
Last season proved to be an important one for the striker, as his six goals for Castilla helped him gain further attention and also played a role in his growing profile beyond club football.
The Real Madrid academy graduate’s performances were rewarded with an international opportunity as well.
Zuniga earned a call-up to the Equatorial Guinea national team and was included in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Representing Equatorial Guinea at the tournament added another important milestone to his career and showed how his development at club level had helped open doors on the international stage.
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Now, though, the forward’s Real Madrid journey has come to a close.
Real Madrid Castilla striker joins Al Madina
Zuniga’s next destination is Al Madina, with the Libyan side handing him a contract that will keep him at the club for the next three seasons.
Based in Tripoli, Al Madina have been active in the Spanish market, and Zuniga is not the only player with links to Spanish football to arrive recently.
Notably, the club have also brought in Abde Damar on loan from Zamora.
For Zuniga, he leaves with senior experience at Castilla, six goals from last season and an Africa Cup of Nations appearance on his record.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
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Real Madrid have had an intense summer in the transfer market. One of the areas that has undergone the biggest overhaul is the defence, which has essentially been rebuilt through a series of reinforcements.
Two full-backs and a centre-back have arrived, continuing the club’s strategy of strengthening the backline.
Ibrahima Konate joined as a free agent after his contract at Liverpool, while Real Madrid paid Denzel Dumfries’ €20 million release clause to sign him from Inter Milan. Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, was brought from Chelsea for a fee of €55 million.
Manager Jose Mourinho returned to the Spanish capital with particular concerns about the defence, which is why he requested three new additions.
According to MARCA (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Mourinho asked the club’s directors for a squad with greater physical capacity. All three defenders provide precisely that.
A Defence made by Mourinho
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Already impressing in pre-season. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s transfer activity has been closely linked to the Portuguese coach. Every signing has either received his approval or been directly requested by him.
Ibrahima Konate was given the green light by Mourinho, while Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella were also the manager’s personal choices.
Beyond the fact that the signings make considerable sense given the squad’s situation and needs, all three reinforcements share one important characteristic – strong physical presence.
Physical power across the backline
Konate’s main strengths as a centre-back are his speed and physical presence, allowing him to defend aggressively and recover quickly thanks to his ability to cover space.
Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella, Real Madrid player
Konate and Cucurella, chosen by Mourinho (Picture credit: X/@realmadrid)
Dumfries is also an exceptionally athletic full-back. His ability to cover the entire flank and drive forward with the ball are among his biggest strengths.
Finally, Cucurella offers another strong physical profile. His intensity and ability in duels make him extremely difficult to beat, both offensively and defensively.
Together, the three signings reflect Mourinho’s desire to build a more physically powerful Real Madrid.
The Real Madrid manager remains keen on another defensive addition – a left-footed centre-back in particular, but the club are not in a position to make any new signings until there are any departures.