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José Mourinho has hinted that new addition Sergio Martínez could make an unexpected debut for Real Madrid in their Friday clash against Real Betis.
The 19-year-old joined with minimal attention when he was snapped up on Aug. 31 after Madrid triggered his $3.5 million (€3 million) release clause at Racing Santander.
The midfielder only made his first senior appearance in Aug. 2025 and made his La Liga entrance just last month following Santander's return to the top division.
A stunning strike against Villarreal that became a goal-of-the-season contender put top clubs on notice, with Barcelona among the interested parties, but Real Madrid ultimately won the race to land the young talent before Deadline Day.
Registered with Real Madrid Castilla for the current season, Martínez has been training alongside the senior squad during his opening week at the club and has even been included in the traveling party for Friday's match against Real Betis.
Mourinho: Martínez 'a Lad With Potential'
Speaking at his prematch press conference, Mourinho confirmed that Martínez could feature in the squad to face Betis at La Cartuja despite having only recently arrived at the club.
"The plan is for him to be on the bench tomorrow," Mourinho told reporters. "That should give you a pretty good idea of the plan.
"He's only trained with the first team for two days. I can't tell you much more. But obviously, before the club signed him, knowing he wouldn't be a first-team player directly ... we also analyzed and gave our opinion on whether he could ever make it here. He's a lad with potential.
"Tomorrow he'll be on the bench. We'll see. We'll see if he plays or not, tomorrow. But it's a step forward, just being with us."
When asked more broadly about La Fábrica, Mourinho raised the prospect of greater opportunities for the club's emerging talents, adding "They can all be excited that their time with the first team will come."
Who Is Sergio Martínez?
La emoción de 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭 en LALIGAEASPORTS. 🥹
LALIGAHighlights | @realracingclub pic.twitter.com/4eOcEsyrtF
His inclusion in the squad for the trip to Seville represents a significant vote of confidence in Martínez, who remains largely unknown to most supporters.
The teenager, who is part of Spain's U-19 setup, joined Racing Santander at age 10 and developed into one of the club's brightest prospects, making his breakthrough during their promotion-winning campaign last season.
Martínez is regarded as a versatile midfielder, comfortable operating in both deeper and more advanced positions. He has already showcased his eye for goal with a thunderous effort from outside the box on his La Liga debut against Villarreal last month.
As part of Real Madrid's B team, he will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow midfielder Thiago Pitarch, 19, who broke into Los Blancos' senior setup last season and has cemented his place alongside the club's established stars.