Real Madrid set to face Barcelona competition for €50 million-rated La Liga defender – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are scouring the market for a new centre-back heading into the summer transfer window.

While established names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Ibrahima Konate have been linked as the main targets, Los Blancos are also looking at young players with potential.

One such player on the Real Madrid sporting department’s radar happens to be Real Sociedad starlet Jon Martin.

Just 20 years old, the Spanish defender broke into the La Real senior setup last season and has already made 45 first-team appearances, 27 of which have come in the ongoing campaign.

Seen as a young player with great potential, Real Madrid are keen on Martin and could consider making a move for him.

Barcelona enter the fray

However, according to SPORT, Real Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona have also entered the race to sign Martin.

Indeed, the sporting director of Barcelona, Deco, held an informal meeting yesterday with Inaki Ibanez, the agent of the Real Sociedad centre-back to assess his situation, although the Catalans’ priority remains Alessandro Bastoni.

Real Madrid, Barcelona want Jon Martin. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Martin is under contract at Real Sociedad until 2031 and, although he is developing rapidly and already has a market value of around €20 million, the release clause included in his latest renewal with the Basque club stands at €50 million.

Barcelona have positive reports on him and value his qualities. Although he is not left-footed, which is a profile the club is seeking to strengthen the centre of defence, he is still a player who appeals.

Sources close to the meeting indicate that it was an informal encounter, without any decisive nature, although they acknowledge that Jon Martín’s name was the main topic.

Even so, it was only an initial enquiry, as Barcelona have not communicated any concrete interest in signing the player.

While the Blaugrana continue to prioritise Bastoni, their meddling in the race for Martin could hurt Real Madrid. So, it remains to be seen how the situation develops in the coming weeks.