Real Madrid defensive prodigy attracting interest from clubs in England, Germany, and Italy | OneFootball

After enduring a difficult past year, due to an ACL injury, Real Madrid starlet Joan Martinez is closely working his way back to peak form and fitness with the Castilla team under Alvaro Arbeloa.

The 18-year-old defensive prodigy was on the cusp of a first-team breakthrough under Carlo Ancelotti when he ruptured his ACL. Now, current manager Xabi Alonso continues to monitor the young Spaniard’s progress closely.

However, at the same time, Martinez continues to gather interest from several teams across Europe.

Joan Martinez in demand

Indeed, according to MARCA, Martinez is one of the most monitored and sought-after young talents of the moment. Recruitment departments from Europe’s top clubs have been closely monitoring the Real Madrid young centre-back.

As part of the close scouting of the 18-year-old defender, Real Madrid’s recent trip to Liverpool in early November was seen as an ideal chance by a number of clubs.

Joan Martinez is liked by many clubs. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

Alongside the first team, the Under-19 side travelled to play in the Youth League, and the expectation was that the promising centre-back would be included. After all, he had already been called up on the previous European matchday against Juventus.

As such, his presence was taken for granted, and senior figures from half of the Premier League, including Liverpool itself, as well as top clubs from Germany and Italy, planned to attend in person to see Martinez in action.

But, as it turned out, Martinez did not travel with the U-19 side to Liverpool as he had completed a full match with Castilla the previous Sunday – and several clubs only realised on the matchday itself.

Alongside the many Premier League representatives, officials from clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Juventus were also present. And the surprise was enormous when they discovered that the player had not travelled.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have long known that many clubs are interested in signing Martinez. Those at the club are calm, as they secured their top prospect when he signed a new long-term contract last September after turning 18, with a release clause of €150 million.