Real Madrid open talks to sign 19-year-old Spanish midfield prodigy | OneFootball

Real Madrid never close their doors to the transfer market. While scouting football’s biggest stars, the Spanish giants also keep a watchful eye on young talents with potential for recruitment.

Following this philosophy, Real Madrid have long been monitoring young players from La Liga and the Segunda Division who have yet to fully develop.

And, as per journalist Jorge C Picon, one such player on Real Madrid’s radars happens to be Rodrigo Mendoza – a teenage midfielder from Elche.

Negotiations underway

According to the journalist, Real Madrid have initiated talks with Elche club to sign Mendoza, who has been impressing scouts and sporting directors across Spain.

The 19-year-old midfielder joined Elche’s youth academy in 2019. Since then, his growth has been meteoric, earning him call-ups to Spain’s U-17, U-18, and U-19 national teams.

Mendoza is known for his creative midfield play and ability to make an impact near the opponent’s goal.

Rodrigo ‘Rodri’ Mendoza on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo courtesy: Elche official website)

Despite his young age, he has demonstrated remarkable maturity, as evidenced by his inclusion in Eder Sarabia’s first-team plans. The youngster has already played 15 matches for the senior team, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Elche, known for their tough negotiation stance, are not making things easy. Aware of the talent they possess, the club are reluctant to let Mendoza go without a fight. However, time is not on their side, as the teenager’s contract expires in 2026.

While Real Madrid are attempting to capitalise on this by proposing a transfer fee, the amounts put forth so far by the Spanish capital club have been deemed insufficient.

The challenge for Real Madrid lies in competing against numerous other clubs eyeing Mendoza as a valuable long-term investment.

With a current market value of €1 million, Mendoza’s worth is expected to rise significantly in the coming years if he continues to meet expectations.

Thus, Real Madrid are aiming to act swiftly by fast-forwarding negotiations with Elche and convincing the player with a tailored development project.