Real Madrid ready to pay La Liga midfield talent’s €20 million release clause – report | OneFootball

It is no secret that Real Madrid are looking to beef up their options in central midfield, having been closely linked with a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton lately.

The club have been linked with moves for a host of other talented midfielders across Europe as well. But at the same time, they are also looking at the domestic market.

That is where Rodrigo Mendoza comes into the fray, with the Elche CF starlet emerging as one of Real Madrid’s potential targets.

Xabi Alonso keen on signing Mendoza

According to Defensa Central, Xabi Alonso is eager to get his hands on the young and talented Mendoza, a central midfielder by trade who has been impressing at the U20 FIFA World Cup.

Real Madrid had already earmarked Mendoza as a potential reinforcement option for Castilla in the past and it won’t be surprising to see the club making a move for the midfielder in the summer of 2026.

Is Rodrigo Mendoza the next big thing in Spanish football? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Mendoza currently plies his trade for Elche CF, having already featured in over 50 competitive matches for the La Liga outfit.

Aged only 20, Mendoza fits the profile Real Madrid are looking for – a homegrown and technically adept midfielder, who can add more options for Alonso in the middle of the park.

That is perhaps why Real Madrid are willing to meet the youngster’s €20 million release clause that can be activated next summer.

In fact, the report suggests Mendoza could end up becoming one of Real Madrid’s signings in the summer of 2026, though where exactly he joins remains to be seen.

If the Spaniard can maintain his current form and perform well for Elche in La Liga, it won’t be surprising to see Alonso signing him up for the first-team next season.