Real Madrid are taking a patient approach to Sergio Martinez's development, with the teenage midfielder yet to make his senior debut despite arriving from Racing with considerable expectations.
According to AS , Los Blancos view the €3 million signing as a long-term investment and are determined not to rush his progression under Jose Mourinho.
Martinez attracted Real Madrid's attention after helping Racing secure promotion to La Liga, where he also made his top-flight debut and scored during his first appearance.
The Spanish giants had monitored his progress for some time before completing his signing , identifying him as a prospect capable of developing into a first-team option in the future.
His arrival initially brought opportunities to work alongside the senior squad, but his development pathway has taken him to Real Madrid Castilla.
Shortly after completing his move, Martinez trained with Mourinho's first-team squad for the first time and was included in the matchday group for a senior fixture.
Those early opportunities showed the coaching staff's awareness of his potential, although they were not an indication that an immediate first-team breakthrough was expected.
Sergio Martinez has already played in La Liga. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
According to AS, the youngster is currently developing under Castilla coach Julian Lopez de Lerma, where he is adapting to the demands of his new environment.
The transition is significant, as Martinez has moved from competing in Spain's second division with Racing to playing in the Primera Federacion, commonly known as the First RFEF, with Real Madrid's reserve side.
Moving to a club of Real Madrid's stature also brings different expectations.
Simply put, he must become accustomed to a new city, the club's footballing philosophy and the competitive atmosphere at Valdebebas.
Although the youngster remains highly regarded internally, the club believes that allowing him time to settle is essential to his development.
Real Madrid's approach to Martinez shows a deliberate long-term strategy rather than an attempt to secure an immediate contribution to Mourinho's senior squad.
Sergio Martinez has already trained with the senior team. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The €3 million investment is being viewed as a four-year development project, giving the youngster sufficient time to adapt, improve and gradually work towards the first team.
His progress is still being monitored by the senior coaching staff, and having already trained with the first team and experienced inclusion in a matchday squad, Martinez remains on their radar despite currently concentrating on Castilla.
The report draws comparisons with Franco Mastantuono, whose early integration into the senior environment is cited as an example of how premature pressure can potentially complicate a young player's development.
For Martinez, the intention is to avoid a similar situation. Real Madrid want him to establish himself at Castilla, gain consistency and become comfortable with the demands of playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs before considering a more prominent role.
The fact that he has already experienced La Liga football with Racing makes his situation particularly interesting.
However, succeeding in the Spanish top flight at a smaller club and earning opportunities at Real Madrid are two very different challenges.
