Bargain €3m Clause Attracts Wide Interest

Real Madrid aren't the only club chasing Sergio Martinez, with the 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder attracting genuine interest from clubs beyond Spain's borders. Sources close to the situation confirm Bundesliga and Premier League clubs are also keen, some of whom compete regularly in the Champions League.

Notably, Martinez's rise has been genuinely remarkable. He made his senior Racing debut just last August, featuring for only a handful of minutes against Castellon. Exactly one year later, almost to the day, he started La Liga's opening fixture against Villarreal and scored a stunning strike from distance, instantly transforming his profile across European football.

His release clause, set at just €3 million, makes him an extraordinary bargain given the interest surrounding him. Real Madrid have reportedly notified Racing of their intention to trigger that clause, though the club prefers negotiating a structured agreement directly rather than activating it outright, partly to avoid tax complications and preserve relations.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time top clubs have circled Martinez. Barcelona, Villarreal and Real Madrid all approached Racing last season, offering loan deals with purchase options. However, the teenager chose to remain, believing his path to regular first-team football looked clearer by staying put.

Real Madrid Move To Beat Competition

That patience appears to have paid off handsomely. Racing extended his contract last November, tying him to the club until 2029, seemingly to ward off exactly this kind of speculation. The modest release clause, though, has ensured suitors remain undeterred regardless of that extension.

Real Madrid's plan, according to sources, involves registering Martinez with Real Madrid Castilla while allowing him regular training sessions alongside Jose Mourinho's first team. That pathway mirrors the development route previously used for Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, both of whom progressed through similar arrangements before establishing themselves as first-team regulars.

Alternative options remain on the table, too, including a potential loan back to Racing to guarantee continued top-flight minutes. Whatever route is chosen, according to Managing Madrid, competition for his signature shows little sign of easing before a final decision arrives.