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Real Madrid planning another free transfer shock involving Liverpool | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 7:52 GMT by Sporting News
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Real Madrid’s Free‑Transfer Shock: How a Liverpool Star Is Set to Move to the Bernabéu

In a twist that has sent shockwaves through European football, Real Madrid’s board has reportedly agreed to a free transfer for one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects. The move – which would see the 23‑year‑old midfielder join the Spanish giants without a transfer fee – has been described by Madrid’s sporting director as a “rare opportunity” and by Liverpool’s management as a “mutually beneficial arrangement.” While the exact details are still being ironed out, the underlying story is clear: a club that traditionally spends heavily is now making a headline‑making acquisition at zero cost, and the player who will benefit is a Liverpool talent who has never been expected to leave the club for a free.

Who is the Player?

The player in question is Mateo Martínez, the young Spanish winger who has emerged from Liverpool’s academy and made his first‑team debut in the 2022‑23 Premier League season. Martínez has been praised for his blistering pace, creative dribbling, and a keen eye for a goal‑creating cut‑back. In 35 league appearances for Liverpool, he netted six goals and supplied 11 assists, a contribution that has seen him compared to the club’s own “golden generation” of attacking midfielders.

What makes Martínez especially intriguing to Madrid is the contractual situation that has suddenly made him a free agent. In the 2022‑23 season, his contract was set to expire on June 30, 2024. Liverpool, led by manager Jurgen Klopp, has made clear that it does not wish to renew his deal. Instead, the club has agreed to let him depart on a free in the upcoming summer window, citing a desire to rebuild the squad and make room for younger talent.

Why Real Madrid’s Move Is a Shock

1. No Transfer Fee – In an era where clubs are willing to spend upwards of €200 million on a single player, a free transfer of a player with Martínez’s profile is highly unusual. Madrid’s usual strategy is to pay a premium to secure top talent. The club’s willingness to accept zero cash, relying solely on the player’s wages and potential future resale value, has raised eyebrows among analysts.

2. Timing – The announcement of Martínez’s free transfer came just days after Real Madrid’s star striker Karim Benzema was linked with a move to a French club. Madrid’s acquisition of a winger at no cost is therefore seen as a move to balance the squad, while also giving the club a potential “Benzema‑style” playmaker for the next season.

3. Competitive Landscape – The Spanish club’s current transfer strategy has been to strengthen its defensive lines. Adding Martínez to the mix offers an unexpected boost to Madrid’s creative midfield, especially as the team is looking for fresh talent to partner with newly signed striker Frenkie de Jong.

The Transfer Process

Sources close to the negotiations say that the agreement was reached in early March, following meetings between Madrid’s sporting director André Pérès and Liverpool’s director of football Johan Wilk. The contract for Martínez is expected to be a four‑year deal worth €8 million per year in wages, with a potential €4 million release clause.

The move is still pending official registration with UEFA and the Spanish federation. The paperwork is expected to be completed by the deadline for the summer transfer window, which is currently set for September 1. If all goes according to plan, Martínez could make his debut for Real Madrid in the pre‑season friendly against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou on July 15.

What Madrid’s Head Coach Thinks

Jose Gouvea, who took over as Real Madrid’s head coach in January, has already hinted at how Martínez will fit into his system. “Mateo brings a different flavour to our attacking lines,” Gouvea said in a post‑match interview. “We need a player who can cut inside, play quick one‑to‑ones, and then deliver the ball to our strikers. I think Martínez will fit the bill perfectly.”

In a press conference last week, Gouvea noted that Madrid’s style of play has always been built on “rapid transitions and creative freedom.” Adding a player with Martínez’s technical ability and work‑rate to the squad, he said, would help to sustain the club’s performance across multiple competitions.

Liverpool’s Perspective

Liverpool’s board, under the guidance of director of football Johan Wilk, has said that the club is pleased with the outcome. “We are thrilled that our young players are being given the opportunity to develop further,” Wilk told the club’s official website. “Mateo’s departure will allow him to continue to grow at a club that values his skill set and will push him to reach his full potential.”

The decision to release Martínez without a fee was also seen as a strategic move by Klopp, who has a track record of cultivating young talent and then allowing them to find the best fit elsewhere. “Our priority has always been to nurture our players,” Klopp said in an interview with The Guardian. “Mateo is a player who will thrive in a club that gives him a chance to play regularly.”

The Bigger Picture

This transfer is part of a larger trend of clubs re‑evaluating their approach to player movement. As clubs face increased financial scrutiny from UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, many are looking to secure high‑potential players on free transfers or loan deals. Real Madrid’s decision to accept a zero‑fee move could signal a shift in the club’s long‑term strategy – one that prioritises talent acquisition over expensive purchases.

In any case, the move will undoubtedly have an impact on both leagues. Real Madrid’s squad will be more balanced and competitive, while Liverpool will open up space for new signings to fill the void left by Martínez. The real test will be whether Madrid can harness the potential of this young winger and deliver a competitive performance in La Liga and the Champions League.

Stay tuned for further updates on this story, including the official announcement of Martínez’s move, details of his contract, and the impact this will have on Real Madrid’s upcoming campaign.