Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign highly rated defender Aimar Garcia from Atlético Madrid’s academy, with Softfootball confirming that a verbal agreement has been reached.
The development was disclosed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
According to Romano:
Real Madrid are closing in on deal to sign Aimar Garcia from Atlético Madrid Academy, out of contract in June. Verbal agreement done for 18 year old centre back, as @AlfredoMatillaG reports.
A verbal agreement between both parties has been completed for the 18-year-old centre-back, who is set to be out of contract in June.
Garcia is expected to join Los Blancos as part of their summer recruitment plans, with Madrid looking to further strengthen their squad ahead of next season.
The club currently sit top of the La Liga table, ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and continue to build for both domestic and European ambitions.
On the pitch, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side secured a 1–0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff tie on Tuesday.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy involving Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian forward delivered a strong post-match statement after accusing Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse following his goal celebration, the celebration led to a temporary interruption in play and a yellow card for Vinicius.
The incident adds to Vinicius’ long-running battle against racism since joining Madrid in 2018.
Despite the controversy, he once again proved decisive on the night, delivering a statement performance to give Real Madrid a crucial advantage in the tie.
