Three La Fabrica talents who could do pre-season with Real Madrid first team this summer | OneFootball

Pre-season is always an important period for new signings, returning players and tactical adjustments, but it can also be a defining moment for the club’s brightest academy talents. 

Understandably, Real Madrid, who will be under a new manager for the next season, are expected to take a close look at several youngsters from La Fábrica ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Over the years, Real Madrid have used pre-season to assess whether academy players are ready to make the jump to senior football. 

Recent success stories have shown that strong performances on the training pitch can change a player’s standing within the club, with the likes of Raul Asencio and Thiago Pitarch being the prime examples.

Hence, as Real Madrid head into the new season, several youth players are hoping to impress and secure a place in the first-team dynamic. 

On that note, among the many promising prospects at Valdebebas, three names stand out as the most likely candidates to feature prominently during Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations.

Joan Martinez

Joan Martinez is highly regarded in the academy. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

When discussing the best young defenders in the Real Madrid academy, Joan Martinez is a name that consistently appears near the top of the list.

The highly-rated centre-back has long been viewed as one of the biggest defensive prospects to emerge from La Fabrica in recent years. 

Despite his young age, Martinez has already earned valuable experience around the first-team environment and continues to be regarded as a player with genuine long-term potential, although he is yet to make his senior team debut.

What makes the teenager particularly exciting is his maturity. He reads the game well, remains composed under pressure and possesses the technical qualities required to thrive in modern football. 

Those attributes have helped him stand out throughout his development.

With Real Madrid constantly searching for the next generation of defenders capable of succeeding the current stars, pre-season could provide Martinez with the ideal platform to demonstrate that he belongs closer to the senior squad than ever before.

David Jimenez

David Jimenez’s profile is quite exciting. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The right-back position is another area where Real Madrid possess exciting talent coming through the academy ranks.

David Jimenez has developed into one of Castilla’s most dependable performers. 

The 22-year-old combines defensive awareness with attacking quality, making him one of the most complete full-backs currently progressing through La Fabrica.

His consistency over the past season has strengthened his case for greater involvement with the senior setup. 

Jimenez understands when to join attacks but also maintains the discipline needed to perform his defensive duties effectively.

Notably, Jimenez has already tasted first-team action, having played four games with the team under Alvaro Arbeloa during the 2025/26 season.

Jesus Fortea

Fortea could go out on loan. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Alongside him, Jesus Fortea remains one of the most exciting young players in the entire Real Madrid academy system.

The 19-year-old has built a reputation as an attack-minded full-back capable of creating problems for opponents with his pace, dribbling and confidence in possession. 

Many youth coaches have highlighted his ability to influence games high up the pitch, giving him a profile that fits perfectly with the demands of modern football.

Fortea’s rise through the ranks has been rapid, and there is a growing belief that his first sustained involvement with the senior squad is approaching, although there are also claims that he might leave on loan.