Liverpool watching HOTTEST prospect in Real Madrid academy

Liverpool are always on the lookout for the best young talents around.

We’ve seen the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni graduate to the first-team squad in recent seasons - providing evidence for a clear pathway from the Reds’ youth and academy ranks to the seniors.

If there is an opportunity to bring in an outstanding prospect then the club won’t hesitate to do so. And one name currently on the radar appears to be Joan Martinez.

Joan Martinez wanted by top European clubs

The elegant 18-year-old defender has been on the books of Real Madrid since 2023 and is currently awaiting his first-team breakthrough.

Martinez is regarded as the pearl of the Real Madrid academy right now and it’s only a matter of time before he embarks on a career at the highest level.

Liverpool - along with Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and other Premier League clubs - are all reported to be interested in Martinez according to a new report in Marca.

Liverpool intended to watch Martinez up close

And when Real Madrid’s UEFA Youth League squad visited Liverpool for their match earlier this month, it was expected that Liverpool recruitment staff AND directors would take the opportunity to witness Martinez in the flesh.

But those plans went awry when he was dropped from the travelling party having played for Real Madrid Castilla the previous weekend.

Liverpool were left disappointed not to catch a glimpse of a potential target but it’s certain that Reds’ analysts and scouts will have had their work done.

Joan Martinez has got €150m buyout clause

Martinez has recovered from a serious ACL injury suffered last year and put pen to paper on his first professional deal when he turned 18.

It’s been reported that Madrid are protected by a €150m buyout in his current contract - and it remains to be seen whether any other club can tempt him away from the Spanish capital.

Liverpool’s centre-back department is due a shakeup in the next couple of seasons. Ibrahima Konate is attracting attention from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of his summer 2026 contract expiry.

And don’t forget Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez either - with Liverpool’s vastly experienced central defenders due to leave when their contracts expire in 2027.

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