Real Madrid has successfully secured a new deal to bolster its youth talent project, after reaching an agreement with Granada to loan Moroccan forward Rayan Zenib for the upcoming season, a move that gives the young player a fresh opportunity to prove himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to an announcement by Granada, the club has extended Zenib’s contract until 30 June 2029, with an option to extend it for two additional seasons contingent on achieving certain sporting targets. Simultaneously, the club reached an agreement with Real Madrid regarding the player’s loan for the 2026-2027 season, under which he will join Real Madrid Castilla.
Zenib is 19 years old and is considered one of the standout talents to emerge from Granada’s academy in recent times. He is also viewed as one of the promising forwards in African football, prompting Real Madrid to move to sign him and offer him the chance to develop within their reserve team.
The transfer comes as Zenib is currently participating with the Morocco Under-20 national team at the 2026 Mediterranean Games. He is set to begin a new chapter in his career with Real Madrid Castilla once his international commitments conclude.
The Moroccan forward joined Granada last summer. During the season, he made his first-team debut in the second division and also took part in the pre-season preparations for the new campaign under manager Jose Rojo “Pacheta,” before leaving the club to represent his national team.
Zenib is the second player to leave Granada for Real Madrid in just a few days, following Ghanaian defender Oscar Nasy, who also moved to the reserve team. This move reflects the “Royal Club’s” interest in Granada’s young talents.
With his move to “Castilla,” the Moroccan forward embarks on a new phase in his career, with a valuable opportunity to develop and gain experience within the Real Madrid system, as he awaits the chance to prove his ability to secure a place among the club’s first-team stars in the future.
