Real Madrid’s reserve team is experiencing a noticeable upswing. In recent weeks, Castilla’s player values have tripled, thanks not only to their recent victories but also to the emergence of several standout talents. Club management notes that, following summer changes and the arrival of many academy graduates, the overall squad valuation has surpassed €15 million.
According to Transfermarkt, even before the season began, the total value of the team did not exceed €5 million. However, recent adjustments to individual market values have surprised even experts: several of Castilla’s young players are now valued higher than some members of the Primera.
Particular attention is drawn to three players who recently moved up from the youth team: Joan Martinez, Sestero, and Thiago Pitarch. Each of them is now valued at €3 million. Such a leap for players just promoted from Juvenil A is unusual. Meanwhile, Martinez and Pitarch still hold junior status, but their potential has already made them some of the most valuable young players.
Sestero, who is 19, has recently become a key figure in midfield. Inside the club, he is regarded as the breakthrough of the season, and over the past three months he has transformed from an unexpected newcomer into an irreplaceable starter.
Joan Martinez, 18, recently returned to training with the main team after a long knee injury recovery. His comeback has attracted attention, as just a year ago he was considered one of the most promising defenders during preseason training.
Thiago Pitarch, also 18, is Arbeloa’s latest discovery. After a successful debut with Castilla in the summer, he was called up to the first team during the absence of Bellingham and Camavinga, and is now playing for Spain’s U20 national team at the World Cup.
In addition to these three, Castilla has two more players with a market value of one million euros: Diego Aguado and Lamini Fati. Thus, Arbeloa has five footballers rated at over a million. The coaching staff has helped them reach a new level, and scouts and analysts are now watching them closely.
Several other players are expected to have their market values reassessed soon, and may join the ranks of the most valuable talents. Among them are Fortea, Fran Gonzalez, Roberto Martin, Cesar Palacios, Manuel Ángel, and Rashad Fettal. Two of them are already playing for Spain’s youth national team at the World Cup.
Over the past two years, the Madrid club has earned nearly 18 million euros from the sale of youth academy graduates developed by Arbeloa. His talent for finding and developing young players has ensured successful transfers. Those who brought significant income to the club include Nico Paz, Chema, Jacobo Ramon, and Yusi. Three of them even made their first-team debuts, and Yusi was called up several times.
Experts believe this is just the beginning: if you include players who are not yet on the transfer list, the amount could double. This summer, the club refused to sell Diego Aguado and Fortea, even though offers reached 10 million euros. Both players are now considered key for Castilla.
