Although Marc Guéhi and Ibrahima Konaté remain atop Real Madrid’s wish list for next summer, the Spanish giants are reportedly considering all options at center back, including homegrown talent Joan Martínez.
The 18-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects coming through the La Fábrica ranks. Now recovered from the ACL injury he suffered in Aug. 2024, Martínez is under the leadership of Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid Castilla, just one call-up away from featuring for Los Blancos.
Although the Spaniard lacks first-team experience, Martínez could be the answer to Real Madrid’s center back problem next summer. According to , the Spanish giants could favor the teenager, who would not cost a single cent, over signing either Guéhi or Konaté.
The situation would of course depend on how Martínez continues to perform and develop at Real Madrid Castilla. After recently returning from a long-term injury, the defender’s fitness will also remain under close scrutiny by Xabi Alonso and his staff.
Martínez fits in with the young squad Alonso has built. In fact, 20-year-old Dean Huijsen and 22-year-old Álvaro Carreras are two pillars of Alonso’s defense, while 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono and 20-year-old Arda Güler are staples of his attack.
