Real Madrid have tied up the future of one of the best prospects at the club for the long-term, with Joan Martinez signing a new deal at Valdebebas this week.

The 18-year-old talent is tipped to make it into the first team sooner rather than later.

Raul Asencio and Gonzalo Garcia Torres are the only current academy talents in the first team, but there are hopes that Martinez could play a key role. Last summer he impressed in preseason in the first team, before his progress was tragically halted by a cruciate ligament injury in August of 2024.

"I continue to extend my link with the best club in the world. The support I’ve received from the club and the fans recently is something I’ll always carry with me," announced Martinez on social media, with a photo of himself signing the deal. As explained by Diario AS, the new deal sees his contract extended from 2026 to 2029. His release clause will also be raised to €150m, ensuring Los Blancos are in control of his future.

Martinez did not play for the entirety of last season, but has returned to action this year, now as a Real Madrid Castilla player, having moved up from the under-19s. So far Martinez has started both Castilla games and completed them under Alvaro Arbeloa this year.

The idea is that Arbeloa will oversee his rehabilitation and development this year, and that Martinez could be part of the first team as early as next season. If all goes to plan, Xabi Alonso will begin to include him in the squad in the second half of the year, as they prepare him for the rigours of top-level football.