Real Madrid centre-back Joan Martinez has signed a new contract with the club through to 2027.
The 17-year-old, who is currently recovering from a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee, is one of the highest-rated young players at the club.
Martinez’s deal through to 2027 is the maximum contract length he can have an under-18, with his release clause in the region of €70million (£58.6m; $76.6m). There is a pre-agreement for Martinez to sign a new deal once he turns 18, which will be in August 2025.
The Spain Under-17 international is currently recovering with Madrid’s Juvenil A side having undergone surgery in September.
Martinez had part of the first team during Madrid’s U.S. tour earlier this summer, playing in matches against AC Milan and Barcelona.
Before his injury, he 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.
Martinez’s spot in Madrid’s senior squad, though, has been taken by another highly-rated young central defender, Jacobo Ramon.
Madrid are second in La Liga with 21 points from their opening nine league matches, three points behind Barcelona.
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‘Buffon’, a Ramos lookalike and a ‘lucky charm’: The youngsters on tour with Madrid
(Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
