Jon Martin, Real Sociedad defender
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Real Madrid are considering a move for Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin as Jose Mourinho looks for further defensive reinforcements, according to Bernabeu Digital.
The 20-year-old defender has emerged as an important figure at Real Sociedad after breaking through last season and establishing himself in the first-team setup.
His performances have kept him on Real Madrid’s radar after the club previously considered making a move during the summer.
Now, with Mourinho facing limited options at centre-back, Real Madrid are once again assessing whether Martin could be worth a significant investment.
Real Madrid revive interest in Jon Martin
Martin was already on Real Madrid’s shortlist during the previous transfer window, but the club ultimately did not make a move for a central defender.
Jon Martin, Real Sociedad defender
Real Madrid have revived their interes in Jon Martin. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
The situation has since changed, as Madrid’s defensive depth remains a major concern, and the coaching staff could be forced to look towards the market again.
That has brought Martin back into consideration. His age, first-team experience and development at Real Sociedad make him an attractive long-term option rather than simply a short-term solution.
Jon Martin has a €60m release clause
The biggest obstacle in this chase is the defender’s price, which has increased after he signed a contract extension until 2032.
Real Madrid are considering paying Martin’s €60 million release clause rather than entering into negotiations with Real Sociedad.
Jon Martin, Real Sociedad defender
Jon Martin has a €60 million release clause. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, though, according to the report, Real Sociedad are unwilling to negotiate his departure and would only allow him to leave if another club activates the clause.
There is no official confirmation of that position yet, so Madrid’s interest should not be interpreted as an agreement being close.
Real Madrid’s renewed interest is closely connected to Mourinho’s current squad situation, as the Portuguese coach needs greater depth in central defence.
Martin would offer Madrid a younger profile capable of developing alongside the club’s established defenders, and the fact that he was already considered last summer also means this is not a completely new name on the sporting department’s radar.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid have made significant progress in negotiations with Jude Bellingham’s representatives over a new contract and are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the end of 2026, according to Graeme Bailey.
The England midfielder is already under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2029, but Los Blancos have been keen to revisit his terms after his continued rise in importance for both club and country.
On that note, the proposed renewal would reward Bellingham with a substantial salary increase and strengthen his position among Real Madrid’s highest-paid players.
Bellingham in line for huge Real Madrid pay rise
The journalist states that Bellingham currently earns around €20 million per season, but the proposed agreement would take his salary beyond €30 million annually.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Real Madrid are progressing well in renewing Bellingham’s contract. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
This represents an increase of roughly 50% and would place the England star in the same financial bracket as Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, who also renewed his contract with substantial pay rise earlier this year.
Notably, the club’s thinking is closely linked to Bellingham’s status within the team.
Madrid consider him one of the leading midfielders in world football and believe his performances have put him into the conversation for the next Ballon d’Or.
His latest international displays have only reinforced that view, with Bellingham playing a starring role for England against Croatia.
Real Madrid want Bellingham tied down beyond 2029
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Bellingham will earn close to 50% pay rise with his new contract. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The proposed renewal is expected to extend Bellingham’s commitment beyond his current 2029 expiry date, with a deal running until at least 2031 being discussed.
The precise length could depend on when the final agreement is signed, but Madrid’s intention is for Bellingham to be tied down for the foreseeable future.
Real Madrid’s proposal also gets strong backing from the fact that Bellingham is certainly not looking for a way out of the Bernabeu.
The midfielder is happy with life in Madrid and committed to continuing his career with the Spanish giants, making the current negotiations more about securing an agreement that reflects his status than trying to convince him to stay.