Real Madrid sign Ghana midfielder Latif Issman for Castilla until 2030

Real Madrid have completed a deal to sign 19-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Latif Issman from Spanish third-tier side UD Logrones, according to Marca. The teenager has signed a contract running until June 2030, though the transfer only takes effect from 2027. He will initially feature for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve side competing in Spain's Primera Federación.

Madrid had tracked Issman since summer and attempted to sign him during the last transfer window but couldn't finalize the move. Reports suggest Logrones had a €300,000 release clause in his contract, though it remains unclear whether Madrid paid that fee, negotiated a lower amount, or will secure him on a free transfer when his deal expires.

For West African football watchers, this continues the trend of Ghanaian talents moving directly into elite European academies. Issman joins a growing list of young Ghanaians — like Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana — who've secured moves to top-flight clubs before turning 20. Castilla offers a proven development pathway; graduates include Raúl, Iker Casillas, and more recently Nico Paz.

The 2027 activation date means Issman stays at Logrones for now, giving him two more seasons of regular senior football in Spain's third division before stepping up. That's a sensible development plan — regular minutes at a lower level often beats warming the bench at a higher one.

Will Issman's path through Castilla become the new template for West African prospects targeting Real Madrid, or does the two-year wait risk stalling his momentum?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/13/transfer-real-madrid-sign-latif-issman/