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Real Madrid Castilla Undergoes Major Squad Overhaul for New Season

The reserve team of Real Madrid features several new faces and a restructured roster under coach Julián López de Lerma.

By 2 min read

The Real Madrid Castilla squad has experienced a profound roster renewal ahead of the current campaign, bringing in a wave of young talent as the team looks to compete at the top of Group II in the Primera Federación.

Managed by Julián López de Lerma—who stepped into the role following leadership shifts that promoted Álvaro Arbeloa—the white reserve team has adapted quickly despite losing a significant portion of its core players from the previous season.

Among the notable summer departures, Manuel Ángel and Palacios transferred to English club Fulham, while goalkeeper Fran González joined the main team's training setup. These movements opened the door for younger promotions and strategic signings across multiple positions.

In the defensive line, the club added 21-year-old central defender Óscar Naasei from Granada for approximately two million euros. The Ghanaian player brings physical presence and versatility, capable of playing centrally or on the right side of the defense.

The midfield also underwent a major transformation following the exit of Manuel Ángel. To fill the organizational gap, Real Madrid paid a reported three million euro release clause to acquire 19-year-old Sergio Martínez from Racing de Santander, providing crucial ball-handling and tactical vision in the center of the pitch.

Offensive changes have been equally prominent following the departure of Jacobo to Strasbourg and Loren Zúñiga. Rachad Fettal has stepped into a primary attacking role, supported by loanee Rayan Zinebi from Recreativo Granada and Ángel Carvajal, who arrived from Valladolid Promesas.

Meanwhile, local winger Álvaro Leiva has returned to the team after a stint with Real Madrid C, aiming to make an immediate impact alongside Daniel Yáñez on the flanks.

Currently occupying a competitive spot in the standings, the newly shaped Castilla squad combines remaining veterans with fresh arrivals as they strive for promotion this season.

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