Real Madrid are close to signing Morocco Under-20 forward Rayan Zinebi from Granada, with the player set to leave his national team’s Mediterranean Games camp temporarily to complete the move.
Zinebi is expected to travel to Madrid for a medical before returning immediately to join up with his Morocco team-mates ahead of the tournament.
The 20-year-old attacker is currently in Taranto, Italy, where Morocco Under-20 are preparing for the Mediterranean Games. They begin their campaign against Turkey on Saturday.
According to Moroccan scout WAYZ and Rodra of ESPN, Zinebi is on the verge of joining Real Madrid Castilla, the Spanish club’s reserve side. The move has also been reported by Ramon Alvarez de Mon.
The transfer has not yet been officially announced, but the negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage.
Zinebi remains under contract with Granada, for whom he made two appearances in Liga2 last season. He will now be given the chance to continue his development within the Real Madrid structure, although the move is expected to be completed initially on loan.
The proposed agreement would include an option for Real Madrid to buy the player permanently for 2m euros at the end of the loan spell.
The temporary departure from the Morocco camp is expected to be brief. Zinebi must complete his medical examination in Madrid and finalise the remaining formalities before returning to the squad to take part in the Mediterranean Games.
Real Madrid’s preference for a loan with a purchase option reflects a cautious approach. The club will be able to assess Zinebi’s performances with Castilla before deciding whether to make a permanent investment in the young forward.
For Zinebi, the opportunity represents a significant step in his career. Joining Real Madrid Castilla would provide a prominent route into elite-level football, although he will face strong competition for places within the reserve team.
The Morocco international will now aim to turn a promising move into a genuine springboard at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. His immediate priority, however, will be to return to the national team and help Morocco Under-20 make a positive start to their Mediterranean Games campaign.
The deal remains subject to the medical and final paperwork, but all indications are that Zinebi is close to becoming the latest young player to enter the Real Madrid system.