UEFA rule forces Real Madrid into surprise decision over €3m signing

Real Madrid have been forced to change their plans for teenage midfielder Sergio Martinez after UEFA and FIFA regulations reportedly prevented them from loaning him back to Racing Santander. According to Madrid Universal, Madrid wanted the 19-year-old to remain at Racing after securing his future, but rules preventing clubs from signing and immediately loaning players during the same transfer window complicated the arrangement.

Real Madrid instead activated Martinez’s €3 million release clause and brought him to Valdebebas, where he will join Castilla and potentially train with the first team. Martinez had helped Racing return to La Liga and scored on his debut.