Real Madrid secures an Athletic Club 'youngster', imminent arrival at Valdebebas

The 2025 summer transfer market is not only stirred by what's happening with the first white team. While the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement is causing very striking changes, Madridist leaders are not ignoring the evolution of other categories.

In this context, the pace of signings at La Fábrica has kept active to date. This is not only due to the "exodus" of talent that every summer sees the most advanced Real Madrid Castilla pupils depart, but also because of additions like the one finalized these days. The import of talent from other Spanish youth academies continues.

In this regard, the white club would have secured the signing of Gorka Abascal. The midfielder born in 2010 has only played one season at Athletic Club de Bilbao, under the close watch of the coaches based at the Lezama sports complex. However, his talent has been enough to prompt this team change.

The Basque footballer is a reinforcement for Cadete A's midfield, a team reserved for footballers who are 16 years old (16 años) or younger. His arrival responds to multiple trends within the Spanish capital entity. One of the most notable is Xabi Alonso's request in the transfer market.

More talent, more excitement

The changing dynamics in the first team's midfield will affect its consolidation in the coming seasons, so the white executives want to have all types of profiles. After all, Gorka Abascal is an attacking midfielder with good ball distribution, although with a somewhat more discreet presence in front of the opposing goal.

At the same time, the arrival of this midfielder to Cadete A is no coincidence. The restructuring at La Fábrica, with the movement of its coaches and the transfer of players between categories, could deplete some positions in that Cadete. This is especially true for the most outstanding talents, among whom is Marcelo Vieira's son.

Enzo Alves would receive a well-deserved promotion at La Fábrica, along with some of his fellow midfielders, over the coming years. The white leadership has already foreseen that team change within its own youth system, adding more talent where it's needed. This signing is also a statement of intent.

The inflation currently governing the elite soccer transfer market makes it impossible for the white club to compete with its closest rivals for the biggest stars. That's why, for some time now, the results of the youth academy have become more relevant... as part of a plan to develop the future occupants of Santiago Bernabéu locker room.