Real Madrid close to completing renewal of 18-year-old defensive prodigy | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s prodigal teenage defender Joan Martinez was all set to have a big role to play in the first team dynamics last season, with Carlo Ancelotti seeing a clear need for an additional defensive profile in the squad.

Unfortunately, however, the youngster suffered a tear to his ACL and found himself ruled out for a year in a preseason training session with the first team and thus lost out on a golden chance.

The spotlight thereafter shifted to Jacobo Ramon and Raul Asencio, of whom the latter went on to earn a regular place in Ancelotti’s side.

Now, over a year later, Martinez is back in training and Real Madrid have not forgotten about the magic he has on his feet.

Renewal on the cards

The young centre-back celebrated his 18th birthday only earlier this week and Real Madrid are planning on providing him with a birthday gift to remember.

Real Madrid want to renew Joan Martinez’s contract. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

Indeed, as furthered by ESPN, Los Blancos are working on closing Martinez’s contract renewal.

After securing the future of Thiago Pitarch earlier this month, Martinez is the next in line to commit his future to the club as he is now 18 years of age.

After working hard for a year on the sidelines, the young defender returned to action for the Real Madrid Castilla team in July and is slowly but surely recovering his pre-injury confidence and quality.

Xabi Alonso and Co. are maintaining a close eye on his development and an opportunity with the first team soon cannot be ruled out.

What is important, however, is that Los Blancos do not rush his return and risk a relapse in any capacity, especially given that there is no urgency around his return. As a long-term prospect, his fitness is the only priority and not the time of his recovery.