Real Madrid defender to undergo Napoli medical on Monday ahead of €12 million move | OneFootball

Rafa Marin left Real Madrid on loan to join Deportivo Alaves towards the end of July last year. Over the following year with the first-division team, the youngster established himself as a reliable mainstay in central defence.

The 22-year-old made 33 appearances for Alaves in La Liga, keeping seven clean sheets and averaging over nine defensive actions and close to four recoveries per game.

His consistency positioned him well as a new defensive option in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, and Nacho’s departure only furthered his cause. Despite the opportunity, however, it appears Real Madrid have decided to let him go.

The economic details

Marin’s high-quality performances through last season attracted several suitors from Europe, with Napoli particularly interested in his signing. The Italians have been in constant contact with Los Blancos and his move is now close to completion.

As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, the defender is set to undergo Napoli medical on Monday and as part of the deal, Real Madrid will receive a fixed fee of €12 million. The dynamics of the buy-back clause, however, are intriguing.

Rafa Marin will undergo Napoli medical on Monday. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

As it stands, Los Blancos will have an option to repurchase Marin for €25 million in 2026. If they delay the transaction to 2027, they will have to shell out €35 million.

Napoli, however, have the option to pay an additional €10 million in 2025 to double the value of Real Madrid’s buy-back clauses.

If they choose to activate the clause, the Galacticos will have to pay €50 million and €70 million in 2026 and 2027 respectively if they desire the player’s services.

Presentation date set

The Italian journalist also confirms that Marin is expected in Naples on Monday. His medicals have been scheduled and he will be presented as a new Napoli player later in the day.

At this point, the deal is nearly complete and pending official confirmation. The youngster’s departure marks the temporary end of his dream of succeeding in Madrid, but the repurchase clause leaves the door open for a future return.

A return to the Merengues will depend solely on Marin’s development and consistency at the highest level for Napoli.