Chelsea's higher offer than rest for Real Madrid youngster revealed – Alonso approval

Chelsea made a higher offer than rivals including Leipzig and Brugge, but Sergio Martínez chose Real Madrid after the club activated his €3m release clause.

Chelsea made a strong push to sign 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martínez after manager Xabi Alonso approved the move, but Real Madrid ultimately won the race for the Racing Santander academy graduate.

Martínez attracted interest from multiple European clubs after impressing in Racing's first team with a goal and assist in 15 matches. The final stage saw four clubs competing: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal and Atlético Madrid from Spain, plus RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Chelsea. Despite Chelsea's higher financial offer following Alonso's green light, Martínez chose Real Madrid, who activated his €3m release clause on August 31st. His decision was influenced by his affinity for the Spanish club and José Mourinho's involvement in the process.

Martínez is now with Real Madrid Castilla and has made eight league appearances this season.