Real Madrid have reached an agreement in principle with 17-year-old centre-back Joan Martinez over the renewal of his contract.
The proposal is for a three-year deal, which is the longest contract a player under the age of 18 can sign according to Spanish law, with the option to extend further if certain sporting targets are met.
The deal will also include a €50million release clause, a higher figure than usual for Madrid Castilla players, and a significant salary for a player of his age.
Martinez’s existing Real Madrid contract is set to expire in 2026.
The defender is currently sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training this month, and he has since undergone surgery.
Martinez arrived at Valdebebas in 2023 from Levante’s academy and impressed in his first season, establishing himself in Alvaro Arbeloa’s Juvenil A side.
He is considered a promising and popular member of the squad, having been part of the first-team’s pre-season tour of the United States this summer where he played against AC Milan and Barcelona.
Martinez was expected to get more opportunities in the first team this season after the departure of Nacho Fernandez and the failure to sign defender Leny Yoro, who instead joined Manchester United.
Following his injury, his spot in the squad taken by another highly-rated young central defender, Jacobo Ramon.
(Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
