Real Madrid have agreed a reported €2m deal to sign Ghanaian centre-back Oscar Naasei from Granada.
The 21-year-old has completed his medical and is expected to begin life in Madrid with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, rather than immediately joining the first-team squad.
Naasei is regarded as a long-term prospect by the Spanish giants, who have moved to secure his services after beating competition from a German club. His transfer represents a significant step in the defender’s career and gives him the chance to continue his development within one of football’s most prominent academy systems.
Real Madrid’s willingness to pay €2m reflects their confidence in Naasei’s potential. The initial focus, however, will be on helping him gain experience, adjust to the demands of the club and establish himself with Castilla.
The move is also expected to allow Naasei to work alongside other highly rated young players in the Real Madrid system. The longer-term ambition will be for him to progress towards the senior team, although his immediate priority will be adapting to his new surroundings and competing for regular opportunities with the reserve side.
Naasei chose Real Madrid despite interest from Germany and will now begin the next stage of his development in the Spanish capital.
Primarily a centre-back, he can also play at right-back. He joined Granada’s under-19 side from Ghanaian lower-tier club Emmanuel City in 2023 and has progressed through the Spanish club’s ranks since arriving.
The defender has made 71 appearances in all competitions since moving to Spain. He has also played in both of Granada’s La Liga 2 matches this campaign.
His time in Spain has helped establish Naasei as a player with the potential to develop at a higher level, leading to interest from clubs outside the country. Real Madrid have now acted on that promise by agreeing a deal for a player they believe can grow into a first-team option.
For now, Naasei’s route to the senior squad will be through Real Madrid Castilla. The reserve team will provide the 21-year-old with an opportunity to gain further experience while becoming familiar with the standards and expectations of his new club.
The transfer completes a rapid rise for Naasei, who moved from Emmanuel City to Granada’s youth set-up only in 2023. After working his way through the ranks and featuring regularly in Spain, he has earned the chance to join Real Madrid and continue his career at one of the world’s best-known football institutions.
