Real Madrid send 20-year-old talent on loan to La Liga side

Real Madrid have waived goodbye to Mario Martin for the coming season, as he joins Real Valladolid on loan. The 20-year-old will focus his efforts on keeping La Pucela up after their return to La Liga.

The deal will not hold any buy options, and will see Martin play his first full season at senior level. It had been thought that he might have a role to play on the fringes of the Real Madrid squad this season, after Toni Kroos exited, and Los Blancos did not sign a midfielder. Martin has been a regular part of Real Madrid squads during periods of injury, featuring three times in La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, to add to his one previous appearance in the Copa two years ago.

Martin is well-liked by assistant coach Davide Ancelotti, but clearly the club felt he would not get sufficient opportunities in the first team. He will compete for a spot with Stanko Juric, Cesar de la Hoz, Kike Perez and Victor Meseguer this year under Paulo Pezzolano.