Real Madrid finalise the contract renewal of 18-year-old La Fabrica gem | OneFootball

Following the extension of Jesus Fortea this past week, Real Madrid have now secured the renewal of Mario Rivas, another standout talent from La Fabrica’s highly rated 2007 generation, reports MARCA.

The young centre-back, who turned 18 in March, was next in line for the club’s “protection operation” – a plan to offer long-term contracts with high release clauses (above €50 million) to youth players as they reach adulthood, safeguarding them from interest across Europe.

Agreement done

And, as per the report, the agreement with Rivas is now complete. He will sign on for a minimum of three additional years, with only the formal signing ceremony remaining, which is expected in the coming days.

This is a significant move for Real Madrid, who are now locking down one of their most promising defenders.

Rivas was a mainstay under Raul Gonzalez at Castilla, with the former striker identifying him as a key figure in his backline. The 18-year-old has already caught the eye of the first team as well.

Mario Rivas (third from left) set to renew. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite being officially part of Juvenil A this season, Raul brought him into the Castilla squad from the very beginning, giving him a starting role throughout the year.

Rivas played 30 matches for Castilla, seven for Real Madrid C, and six with Juvenil A across the UEFA Youth League and domestic competitions. His strong campaign earned him three first-team call-ups under Carlo Ancelotti – two in LaLiga and one in the Copa del Rey.

Key role under Alvaro Arbeloa?

Next season, Rivas will be a full-time Castilla player under the command of Alvaro Arbeloa, who is set to overhaul the team’s defence.

The expected departures of David Cuenca, Edgar Pujol, and Jacobo Ramon’s possible promotion to the first team alongside Raul Asencio will leave major gaps to fill.

As such, Rivas is projected to be a starting centre-back, likely alongside Joan Martinez, set to return from an ACL injury.