Real Madrid signs young player Martinez

Racing Santander announced that midfielder Sergio Martinez has joined Real Madrid for a fee of 3 million euros ($3.5 million). The Santander club stated via its social media accounts that “Real Madrid will pay the full release clause in the player’s contract.” The 19-year-old Martinez scored against Villarreal in the league opener, but is expected to start with Real Madrid’s reserve team. Real Madrid have signed several players this summer, including Ivory Coast international Yaya Diomande, whose transfer set a record at $162 million, following the club’s failure to win any major trophy in two consecutive seasons. Under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, who has returned to the Santiago Bernabeu, the team began the season with an ideal start, securing three consecutive victories in La Liga.