Real Madrid has reached a verbal agreement to sign 18-year-old center-back Aimar Garcia from Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, marking a significant cross-town recruitment. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Wednesday, noting that the “done deal” secures the highly-rated defender for the upcoming campaign. Garcia’s current contract at the Metropolitano expires this June, allowing the Los Blancos hierarchy to finalize the acquisition without a formal transfer fee for the summer window.
Standing at an imposing 1.92 meters, Garcia represents a strategic investment in the club’s defensive future. The teenager, who currently features for Atlético C in the Tercera División and has trained under Diego Simeone, previously spent time at Real Madrid’s “La Fábrica” during his junior career. This move signifies a return to familiar territory for the Spanish youth international, as Real Madrid continues to prioritize the signing of elite domestic prospects to complement their star-studded first team.
“Verbal agreement between both parties has been “done for the 18-year-old centre-back,” Romano reported via his X account.
The pursuit of Garcia aligns with Real Madrid’s broader plan to rejuvenate their backline during the summer transfer window. Under the management of Álvaro Arbeloa, the club currently dominates the La Liga standings, holding a two-point advantage over perennial rivals FC Barcelona. The news of this defensive reinforcement follows a successful European night in Lisbon, where Arbeloa’s men secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff.
While Real Madrid prepares for the decisive return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu next week, the administrative team remains focused on long-term squad building. Securing a talent of Garcia’s caliber from a direct local rival underscores Madrid’s influence in the market and their commitment to sustaining their position at the pinnacle of Spanish football. Supporters expect the young center-back to integrate into the senior setup during the 2026 pre-season tour, providing fresh competition for established stars like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba.
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