Racing Santander coach responds to Real Madrid links with 19-year-old talent: ‘We have to remain oblivious’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid target Sergio Martinez could hardly have asked for a better start to life in La Liga.

The Racing Santander teenager was one of the surprise names in the starting lineup against Villarreal past weekend, and he showed why there is growing interest in his future. 

On his first appearance in Spain’s top flight, the 19-year-old midfielder scored with a spectacular strike into the top corner.

His goal came at a time when Real Madrid are understood to be closing in on Martinez, who has a €3 million release clause in his Racing Santander contract. 

The midfielder’s impressive La Liga debut has only added more attention to a situation that was already attracting plenty of interest.

However, Racing coach Jose Alberto Lopez insists that the youngster has not allowed the growing speculation to affect his focus.

Speaking to AS, the manager explained that his conversations with Martinez have remained strictly centred on football and his development rather than market rumours.

Martinez shines on La Liga debut

Real Madrid are reportedly close to signing Sergio Martinez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Martinez’s emergence has been one of the early stories of the 2026/27 La Liga season.

The teenager was handed the opportunity to start against Villarreal and made an immediate impression. 

Scoring on a La Liga debut is a memorable achievement for any young player, but Martinez did so in spectacular fashion, finding the top corner with a strike that put him in the spotlight.

For now, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is believed to be close, with his €3 million release clause making him an accessible option for the Spanish giants. 

Asked directly about the situation, Jose Alberto Lopez made it clear that his priority is ensuring Martinez continues to focus on his football rather than the stories surrounding him.

“I haven’t spoken to him about anything other than football – just analysing the match against Villarreal and the areas where he needs to keep improving.

“If a player puts in a good performance, it sparks everyone’s interest; that’s just the way it is in the top flight, but we have to remain oblivious to all the rumours and stories circulating outside the club because the only thing that matters to us is performance and day-to-day work.

Real Madrid need to make space to accommodate Sergio Martinez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“The lad is doing well, he’s focused, and we have to help him continue to improve and develop as a footballer,” he said.

Real Madrid face squad space issue in Martinez pursuit

Real Madrid’s interest in Sergio Martinez appears to be quite real, and his contract situation could make a deal relatively straightforward.

However, there is a notable complication.

As previously reported, Real Madrid currently do not have an available place in their squad for Martinez, creating a potential obstacle even if an agreement is reached with Racing Santander. 

Signing the midfielder is one part of the process, but finding the right place for him within the current squad structure is another.

So, the situation could force Real Madrid to explore different solutions.