Valencia's loan hunt: 18‑year‑old Real Madrid defender Joan Martinez

Valencia are eyeing a loan for 18‑year‑old centre‑back Joan Martinez, who remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2029, as the La Liga side seeks to shore up a defence weakened by injuries ahead of the new season in the summer.

According to , Valencia have added Joan Martinez to their list of defensive targets, while head coach Carlos Corberan is eager to strengthen several positions before pre‑season begins.

Martinez, the highly rated 18‑year‑old centre‑back currently with Real Madrid Castilla, joined Real Madrid two seasons ago after developing in Levante’s academy. He suffered a serious knee injury early in his Madrid spell but has continued to progress impressively.

His development has already been recognised at senior level, earning call‑ups to the Real Madrid first‑team squad under both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Valencia’s current shortage of central defenders is acute, with Jose Copete and Mouctar Diakhaby sidelined through injury, leaving Corberan with limited options at the heart of defence. The situation is expected to change further, as Cenk Ozkacar, who has one year remaining on his contract, is likely to leave the club this summer.

The proposed deal is a loan with an option to buy; Real Madrid would retain a percentage of the player’s future economic rights, a structure the club has frequently used for La Fabrica graduates.

Discussions remain in the early stages. Valencia have made their interest known and sounded out the possibility of a deal, but negotiations have not progressed beyond the initial enquiry.

Real Madrid are expected to sign another centre‑back after already bringing in Ibrahima Konate, so loaning Joan Martinez to another La Liga club would make sense to give him regular first‑team football.