Sergio Martinez of Real Racing Club
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Around a week is left in the summer transfer window and, despite having already made six signings, Real Madrid still have a few open files to address.
From a first-team perspective, it is highly unlikely that Madrid would make new signings unless someone leaves.
However, the club could still look to strengthen Castilla with a view to some of those starlets being available for the first team.
One such player Madrid have been linked with is Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Martinez, who has caught the eye for the newly promoted club.
The 19-year-old scored for Racing in their first game back in La Liga, and Madrid are looking to sign him for Castilla but with a role in the first team.
Now, according to The Athletic, the teenager has not yet made a final decision on his future even as Los Blancos continue to push hard.
Madrid pushing hard for Martinez
Madrid have been tracking the Spanish starlet from well before the current transfer window and had already considered moving for him in January.
Sergio Martinez of Real Racing Club
Sergio Martinez is yet to make a decision. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Inside Valdebebas, there is optimism that the club can convince the midfielder to choose Real Madrid despite interest from Champions League clubs in England and Germany.
However, despite suggestions that Los Blancos were close to winning the race for his signature, it does seem like the door is wide open.
If Martinez does agree to join Madrid, the initial plan for him would be to play with Castilla while being involved in the first-team environment.
That would allow the youngster to continue developing and getting regular minutes while the first-team midfield situation is crowded.
However, it would also represent a step down in level for the teenager, who has already established himself in Racing Santander’s first team.
His release clause at Los Verdiblancos stands at around €3 million, making him very attainable for a club of Madrid’s stature.
The bigger challenge is convincing the player that it is sometimes important to pull the kite back to let it soar higher in the near future.
Mourinho wants another midfielder
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is still keen on a new midfielder. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The sporting argument could help Madrid.
The team felt the absence of a different midfield profile against Espanyol, and Mourinho would like another option capable of offering something distinct in that area.
Martinez is obviously not being viewed as an immediate solution to every midfield problem, but Madrid see enough potential to believe he can eventually push towards the first team.
However, he would also know at the back of his mind that someone like Thiago Pitarch is already there in the first-team picture and could be ahead of him in the pecking order.
While Madrid remain confident, it must be clear that the deal is not completed. They can continue to push for him but, ultimately, it is the player’s decision.
It remains to be seen whether Sergio Martinez decides to wear Madrid’s white, stay at Racing or move elsewhere to continue his career.
Rafa Benitez explains why Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid spell became so complicated: ‘A lot of politics’
Former Real Madrid player and TNT Pundit Steve McManaman
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with one of the strongest reputations in European football.
His work at Bayer Leverkusen had established him as one of the game’s most exciting young coaches, and his return to the Santiago Bernabeu appeared to be the natural next step in his managerial career.
However, it did not work out that way.
Alonso’s time in charge of Real Madrid ended far sooner than expected, leaving questions about why a coach who had achieved so much success in Germany struggled to make the same impact at the club where he had once been a key player.
Now, Rafa Benitez has offered his view on what made the Real Madrid job particularly difficult for the former Spain international.
Speaking before the Fulham vs Chelsea match, Benitez, who coached Alonso during his successful spell at Liverpool, pointed to the environment surrounding the Spanish giants.
Benitez knows Alonso and Real Madrid better than most
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid manager
Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso in January 2026. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Benitez is in a strong position to discuss Alonso’s situation.
The two worked together during Alonso’s time at Liverpool, where Benitez helped guide the midfielder through some of the most successful years of his playing career.
Their relationship gives the veteran coach a close understanding of Alonso’s personality and his approach to football.
Furthermore, Benitez also knows the demands of Real Madrid first-hand.
A product of the club’s youth system, he later worked with Castilla before taking charge of the first team during the 2015/16 season.
His own spell was short, lasting only 18 matches, and it gave him direct experience of how quickly things can become complicated at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rafa Benitez, Former Real Madrid manager
Rafa Benitez had a brief stint at Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
With years of experience across Spain and England, and major success at Liverpool, Benitez’s assessment of Alonso’s Real Madrid exit carries strong credibility.
‘Politics’ behind Alonso’s Real Madrid difficulties
Benitez was asked about Alonso during an appearance on the BBC, and he began by highlighting why the former Real Madrid midfielder had earned his opportunity.
“He did very well at Bayer Leverkusen and that’s why he went to Real Madrid. He was similar to me.”
The Spanish coach then explained what he believes defines Alonso’s approach as a manager.
“He likes to work hard, organise things, and talk to the players about what they want to do.
“But there’s a lot of politics at Real Madrid, and perhaps that’s why it was more complicated,” he concluded.