Real Madrid youngster’s imminent transfer to Serie A could set club record – report | OneFootball

Rafa Marin is one of many unfortunate Real Madrid youth players, who have yet to be rewarded with a first-team call-up despite making quite an impression in youth competitions.

A centre-back by trade, Marin was sent out on loan to Alaves last summer despite Real Madrid’s lack of depth in the defensive unit.

A year later, Marin has returned to Santiago Bernabeu on the back of an excellent loan campaign that saw him feature in 33 league matches.

Real Madrid, though, have no plans to incorporate Marin into the first team next season. In fact, the club are preparing a potential record-breaking transfer.

Napoli closing in on Rafa Marin

According to MARCA, Napoli are closing in on the capture of Rafa Marin on a permanent deal this summer.

The young Real Madrid centre-back has emerged as the ideal target for Antonio Conte as he looks to shore up Napoli’s defensive options.

All set for a move to Napoli (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

As per the report, Napoli are expected to pay a fee of €12 million for the services of Marin. The contract will involve a buyback clause worth €25 million that can be activated in 2025. The fee will rise to €35 million in 2026.

Napoli, though, have an option to increase the value of the buyback clause to €50 million and €75 million, provided the Italian outfit pays up €10 million during Marin’s first season in Naples.

Should Napoli pay the figure, the value of Marin’s transfer could reach up to €22 million, thus making him the most expensive outgoing transfer for Real Madrid for a player, who has not featured in a single competitive match for the club.

The report adds that Napoli have finalised an agreement and the move can soon be made official. Marin, in fact, will be under the leadership of Conte within the next few days.