Napoli have officially confirmed the acquisition of promising defender Rafa Marin from Real Madrid in a sophisticated transfer arrangement valued at €12 million. The 22-year-old center-back, who can also operate on the right side of defense, has finalized his move to the Italian club after completing medical examinations at Rome’s Villa Stuart clinic and signing his contract at President Aurelio De Laurentiis’ office.
The transfer agreement includes complex buy-back clauses that provide flexibility for both clubs. Real Madrid retains the option to repurchase Marin for €25 million in June 2026, with the clause increasing to €35 million in June 2027. Interestingly, Napoli has the opportunity to significantly increase these buy-back figures by paying an additional €10 million in June 2025, which would elevate the clauses to €50 million and €70 million respectively.
Marin, who spent the previous season on loan at Deportivo Alaves, joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2016 at the age of 14. He progressed through the club’s ranks, including two seasons with Real Madrid Castilla, before embarking on this new chapter with Napoli.
This transfer could potentially set off a chain reaction in the transfer market. With Marin’s departure, Real Madrid may now pursue Lille defender Leny Yoro, who is reportedly waiting for the Spanish giants despite Manchester United having agreed on a transfer fee with his current club.
