Real Madrid Triggers Release Clause for Highly Sought-After Midfielder

Real Madrid has secured the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander, both clubs announced. The Spanish giants directly triggered his €3 million release clause. Martinez has signed a four-season contract.

According to Spanish sports daily 'AS', the 1.88-meter tall footballer will not immediately join the first team at the Bernabéu. The plan is for him to start with the Castilla reserve team in the third division and gradually work his way up.

Martinez had also attracted interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, as well as clubs from England and even Saudi Arabia.

This concludes a transfer saga that unfolded over just over a week, with Real Madrid entering the bidding on August 19th. Three days prior, Sergio Martinez had started in Racing's opening La Liga match. Not only that, but he scored a spectacular goal against Villarreal. His shot, clocked at 126.7 km/h, made him Racing's youngest goalscorer (19 years and 93 days) to net on his Primera División debut in the 21st century. It was the icing on the cake of an outstanding midfield performance. More importantly, it was a dream come true for a player who had been with Racing's youth academy since childhood.