H2: Updated introduction: Oscar Naasei deal officially completed in September 2026
Real Madrid’s rebuild of Castilla’s back line has moved from speculation to fact. As of 18 September 2026, Real Madrid and Granada CF have officially completed the transfer of defender Oscar Naasei, closing a deal that had been reported for weeks.
Both clubs have confirmed a fee of around €2m for the 1.85m defender, who signs a two-year contract at Valdebebas. The agreement includes options to extend the deal further if Naasei is promoted to the senior squad.
Earlier reporting, including our original reporting on Castilla’s defensive rebuild, described the move as close but unfinished. That uncertainty is now resolved, and Naasei is a Real Madrid player heading into the new season.
H2: Castilla look to rebuild defense following key academy departures
Castilla’s need for fresh defensive options stems from a busy summer of departures. Gonzalo García left the academy for Fulham, and César Palacios also moved on, with both now established starters in the Premier League.
Losing two players who had grown through Real Madrid’s own system left a clear gap in Castilla’s back line heading into the new campaign. The club has responded by widening its search for defensive reinforcements at home and abroad.
Those exits left space that Real Madrid have moved quickly to fill. According to Bernabéu Digital, the club are monitoring Sergio Martínez, Rayan Zinebi, and Oscar Naasei as they reshape Castilla’s squad for the season ahead.
Racing Santander sporting director Chema Aragón has spoken publicly about one of those targets. “Sergio Martínez is evaluating his options. There is Real Madrid, and there is also the Racing Santander option for him,” Aragón said, as reported by Madrid Universal.
Aragón added that Racing believe they can keep hold of the midfielder. “If we offer him a starting position, he will not leave,” he said, underlining that no decision on Martínez’s future has yet been made.
H2: Oscar Naasei Real Madrid transfer details and player profile
The Oscar Naasei Real Madrid transfer is confirmed: Granada CF and Real Madrid have completed a deal worth approximately €2m for the defender, who joins Castilla on a two-year contract with promotion-linked extension options. The move ends any doubt over his next step.
Naasei Oppong stands at 1.85m and can play either centre-back or right-back, giving Castilla’s coaching staff flexibility across the back line. He joined Granada’s youth setup in 2023 after arriving from Emmanuel City, and progressed steadily through the reserve side before earning his first-team debut last season.
His recent form only sharpened Real Madrid’s interest. According to Madrid Universal, Naasei featured in Granada’s opening two league fixtures of the season, against Oviedo and Mallorca, under head coach Pacheta, before the move to Madrid was finalised.
That first-team experience in LaLiga, however limited, marks Naasei out from many of Castilla’s other academy signings. He arrives with senior minutes already behind him, rather than as a pure youth-team prospect learning the level from scratch.
H2: What happens next for Real Madrid Castilla
Castilla’s squad rebuild is not finished. Sergio Martínez remains the most closely watched target, with his decision between Real Madrid and Racing Santander still open, according to Chema Aragón’s comments to Madrid Universal.
Rayan Zinebi is also under consideration as part of the same defensive rebuild reported by Bernabéu Digital, though no timeline has been given for any further arrivals. Real Madrid appear willing to let those conversations play out rather than rush a decision.
For now, Naasei’s arrival gives Castilla an experienced, versatile defender to replace the departed Gonzalo García and César Palacios. His ability to cover both centre-back and right-back should offer the coaching staff some early tactical flexibility.
Supporters keen to follow the wider picture can read more in our earlier report on Real Madrid’s finances, alongside Real Madrid academy developments and transfers and Real Madrid’s youth recruitment targets elsewhere in the academy pipeline.
