Not Endrick, Not Gonzalo—Real Madrid Signs a New Striker for Castilla
Rachad Fettal joins from Almería to strengthen the reserve squad and open the door for Gonzalo García’s promotion
Despite the attention surrounding Endrick and Gonzalo García as Real Madrid’s future attacking stars, the club has moved in a different direction—signing another striker, though not directly for the first team. The latest addition is Rachad Fettal, who joins Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve squad managed by Álvaro Arbeloa.
A Strategic Move for Castilla
With the aim of bolstering Castilla and continuing to develop talent internally, Real Madrid has brought in Fettal following a promising season at Almería. While his goal-scoring numbers (1 goal in 19 appearances) don’t stand out, his overall impact and potential have convinced the club to make the investment.
The signing also suggests that Gonzalo García may be on the verge of moving up to the senior squad, potentially opening a path for Fettal to step into a more prominent role in the reserve team.
Building the Next Generation
Real Madrid has made youth development a pillar of its sporting project. In recent years, players like Nico Paz, Raúl Asencio, and Gonzalo García have emerged from the academy, proving that Castilla is more than just a developmental side—it’s a launchpad to the first team.
The club sees Fettal as a long-term project, someone who can evolve under Arbeloa’s guidance and potentially become a star striker within the academy system. Though he still needs to refine his goal-scoring instincts, his technical ability and work rate have made him a standout prospect.
A Tough Climb Ahead
Fettal now faces the challenge of proving himself at one of the most demanding youth setups in Europe. With Gonzalo and Endrick still very much in the spotlight, he’ll need to carve out his own path—but the opportunity is there.
His journey with Real Madrid is just beginning, and while the spotlight may not be on him yet, Fettal has the chance to quietly become Castilla’s next standout forward—and maybe one day, a senior team option.
