Real Madrid signed Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander in the summer as one of their low cost-high potential moves in midfield.
The initial idea was for the 19-year-old midfield prospect to be part of the Castilla side and adapt, eventually earning a promotion to the first team and a regular role under Jose Mourinho.
His initial training sessions, however, won over the manager and the coach began dreaming of handing the player his first-team debut imminently.
There was even talk of the player reaching that milestone against Inter Milan or Rayo Vallecano.
Back to square one
Now, as confirmed by Defensa Central, Real Madrid have again changed their stance on Martinez’s future and no longer see his first-team debut to be imminent.
A special talent. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Mourinho had a word with Real Madrid Castilla manager Julian Lopez de Lerma and has come to the conclusion that Martinez needs to settle first before shuttling between the first-team and subsidiary team dynamics.
The club see stability to be a critical factor that will determine his progression and development, and regular first-team call-ups with minimal minutes may not be the best for Martinez.
In that sense, the two managers have agreed that he will currently stay with the subsidiary side.
The confidence in Martinez remains
The Spanish outlet also confirms that Real Madrid’s plan to delay Martinez’s first-team integration does not signal any loss of confidence in the player.
On the contrary, the club strongly believe in him and see his development to be crucial.
Mourinho deeply believes in the youngster. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Once he is settled, playing regularly, adapted to the city and football and comfortable, they will hand him a chance to step up and prove his worth with the first-team. That was, in fact, the initial plan with him all along.
Meanwhile, there is strong enough competition in midfield for Real Madrid with four players already competing for two spots in the double-pivot (Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva).
Rushing Martinez, thus, is not a priority in any sense, and the new signing will have to play the long-term game with patience.