The biggest weakness for Real Madrid is the defense, and it has been the defense for years now. Even as Real look at possible deep lying midfielders to add to a group that includes Aurelien Tchouameni and new breakout guy Thiago Pitarch, the center back position will probably remain the club's priority in the summer 2026 transfer market.
Aside from pursuing pricy transfer targets like Nico Schlotterbeck and Castello Lukeba to potentially pair with Eder Militao, Real Madrid are also watching more underrated gems to compete behind the main crew.
According to a report from Abraham P. Romero of El Mundo, Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Real Sociedad's latest defensive gem, the 19 year old Jon Martin. Now, Martin would not be cheap, as he has a 50 million euro release clause, and Real Sociedad usually stick to these prices, especially when negotiating with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Jon Martin looks better than Raul Asencio
Martin is an interesting case, because Real Madrid already have young defensive gems fighting for spots. Raul Asencio is with the first team, Joan Martinez is in Castilla and itching to be the next Sergio Ramos, and Real Madrid could always buy Jacobo Ramon back with Nico Paz from Como amidst his own strong season in Serie A.
Romero also reports that Real Madrid would not be opposed to selling Asencio for the right offer, because while they do value him, it appears they do not see him as a true star of the future at the center back position.
That makes sense. Asencio has talent but is too ill disciplined and limited in his speed to meet the demands of a Madrid center back. Jon Martin, however, is intriguing. He is a few years younger and looks like a real player for La Real. The price of 50 million euros is probably double what it should be, but that's why La Liga clubs aim high with release clauses to begin with; they don't want to lose their gem too early.
This season, Martin has been a wall with 1.2 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, and 0.1 dribbles allowed per game for the Basque giants. He is already a great player. Real Madrid fans should see him as a bit of smart scouting within the league, but if you polled the majority of them, they would clamor for an even more sure fire teenage gem in Luka Vuskovic, who has been the Bundesliga's best defender this season.