Real Madrid has announced the signing of 17-year-old striker Fran Santamaría from CD Castellón, marking a significant addition to their academy, La Fábrica, for the upcoming season.

Impressive Rise Through the Ranks

Santamaría leaves his hometown club after an eight-year tenure, where he developed into one of the most promising talents in Spanish youth football. Over the past season, he showcased his skills by scoring 15 goals in 32 appearances. Despite being a second-year youth player, he effectively balanced his time between Castellón’s Juvenil A team and the B side, demonstrating his adaptability to higher levels of competition.

In the División de Honor, Spain’s premier youth league, Santamaría netted 13 goals in just 17 matches. Additionally, he contributed two goals in 15 appearances for Castellón B in the Segunda Federación, solidifying his reputation as a prolific attacker capable of competing against older players.

A New Chapter at Real Madrid

Standing at 1.85 meters and proficient with both feet, Santamaría is recognized as a well-rounded striker with a keen eye for goal. His swift progression from youth football to training with the reserve side indicates his readiness for the challenges ahead. His transfer to Real Madrid also marks a historic moment, as he becomes the most expensive youth sale in Castellón’s history.

Castellón expressed their gratitude towards Santamaría in a statement, acknowledging his dedication and professionalism during his time at the club and wishing him success in his future endeavors. In an emotional farewell, Santamaría reflected on his journey, stating, “The day I never imagined has arrived. I’ve spent eight years at the club of my life, and now I say goodbye to Castellón—a place where I’ve grown not only as a player, but as a person.” He thanked his family, coaches, and teammates for their support, emphasizing the values of humility and hard work that have shaped his development.

As he embarks on this new chapter with Real Madrid, Santamaría remains proud of his roots, affirming, “I will always be a Castellón fan.”