Madrid strikes again: Real Madrid nabs a rising defender from Atletico in February transfer saga
18 February 2026
Rivalry for top talents heats up
The heated tug-of-war for Spain’s brightest prospects continues between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, spanning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Super Cup, and the Champions League. The intensity extends to their youth academies, turning February into a fresh act in this ongoing saga.
Old pact, new moves
AS reported that for more than three years the two clubs have breached their informal pledge not to raid each other’s stars. Thanks to this breach, defender Jesus Fortia moved from Atletico Madrid to Real Madrid, launching a continuous exchange of talents between the giants.
Since then, competition to sign the brightest youngsters has been sharp, though largely healthy.
Recent developments point to Real Madrid strengthening its ranks with a young defender from Atletico. The player is Aimar Garcia, 18, born in 2007, a right‑footed center‑back standing about 1.92 meters tall. His path has taken him from the Villaverde youth system through Rayo Vallecano, then to Atletico, and briefly to Real Madrid at times. Injuries slowed his progress, and Atlético did not renew his contract as of June. Madrid reportedly followed him for some time and are moving to sign him now.
According to sources close to the player, he remains unsure which team he will join next season — Real Madrid under coach Victor Sia or Castilla under coach Julian Lopez de Lerma. The plan may involve preseason with one side and finishing with the other, depending on how clubs restructure in the summer after Arbeloa’s promotion to the first team and other departures and changes.
The signing would be subject to formalities with Atlético Madrid’s academy and standard channels; Real Madrid would finalize terms and determine where the player starts. It remains to be seen how the summer reshuffle impacts both squads.
In short, the neighborly transfer saga continues, with Real Madrid moving decisively to secure a promising defender while Atlético watches and recalibrates for the coming seasons.
Punchlines: - If transfers were coffee, Real Madrid just served their neighbor a double-shot espresso—bold, and possibly illegal in some countries. - If Garcia grows into a star, Atlético might file a calendar complaint for stealing their seasons; at this rate, even the trophies will need a passport.
