Here’s what happened to Real Madrid youngster after his €3 million summer arrival

Here’s what happened to Real Madrid youngster after his €3 million summer arrival Real Madrid’s decision to sign Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander during the summer transfer window initially raised questions about where the midfielder would fit into Jose Mourinho’s plans.  The midfielder arrived from Racing after scoring on his senior debut in La Liga, making his transfer particularly interesting given that he had already gained experience in Spanish professional football.  Notably, Real Madrid reportedly paid around €3 million to secure his services. Despite arriving after making his senior breakthrough in La Liga, the 19-year-old has spent most of his opening months in Madrid with Castilla rather than the first team. There was an early indication that Mourinho wanted to assess him closely, as Martinez completed two training sessions with the senior squad before being included in the matchday group for the game against Real Betis, just days after his arrival.  However, he remained an unused substitute and has not featured for the first team since. Martinez has found regular football with Castilla Sergio Martinez has trained with the senior team. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website) Martinez’s immediate development has instead taken place with Real Madrid Castilla, where he has been gradually establishing himself under the reserve team’s coaching staff. His record in Primera Federacion stands at eight appearances, six starts and approximately 489 minutes, without a goal or an assist.  Those numbers suggest he has become a regular option, although he is still adjusting to the demands of his new environment. Under-20 Intercontinental Cup offers an early highlight One of Martinez’s first memorable experiences in a Real Madrid shirt came in the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup final against Santiago Wanderers in the Spanish capital. He played 61 minutes as Madrid secured a 3-1 victory, allowing him to celebrate his first trophy with the club.  Sergio Martinez is currently playing for Real Madrid Castilla. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) The appearance also gave him an opportunity to feature in a major occasion at the stadium he will hope to represent regularly in the future. Champions League registration does not change his role Martinez’s name also appeared on Real Madrid’s Champions League A list, occupying the place left by the injured Ferland Mendy.  Notably, this was in fact a regulatory necessity rather than evidence of an immediate promotion, as he did not meet UEFA’s eligibility requirements for the B list because he had only recently joined the club. Hence, for now, Castilla remains the most important stage of his development.  His early training call-up showed that Mourinho was willing to take a closer look, but Martinez still has work to do before becoming a regular option at the Bernabeu.