The Real Madrid has completed a signing for the summer 2027 transfer window, agreeing terms with 20-year-old midfielder Latif Issman. The Ghana-born, Spanish-registered player will join the Real Madrid Castilla in the summer of 2027.
The operation, which marks a continuation of the strong relationship between the two clubs, was first reported by MARCA. Issman, currently at UD Logroñés, has been under observation by Madrid’s scouts for several months, with negotiations intensifying in recent weeks.
Issman will remain with UD Logroñés for the remainder of the current season, manager Unai Mendia confirmed. “Estará con nosotros hasta final de temporada,” Mendia told La Rioja, clarifying there are no plans for a January exit.
The coach expressed his desire for the player to leave on a high note, should the move proceed. “Si se tiene que ir al Real Madrid, que vaya con ese caché de decir que viene de hacer una gran temporada aquí,” Mendia added.
🚨⚪️ Latif Issman has signed for Real Madrid with a deal valid from 2027. 19 year old Ghana midfielder joins from Logrones, contract until June 2030 and initial move to Castilla. 🇬🇭 The deal is now completed — following @marca. pic.twitter.com/5yVRIl0KKG
For years, UD Logroñés imported talent from the Real Madrid academy, with players like Sergio Reguilón and Alejandro Sotillos spending time on loan in Logroño. Now, the flow has reversed, with the Madrid club actively recruiting the Logroñés youth products.
Latif Issman: From Logroñés Streets to Madrid’s Ranks
Latif Basir Issman Hamidu, 20, has spent his entire football career in the Spanish city of Logroño. Born in Ghana on November 1, 2006, he holds a Spanish passport and is currently studying Comercio Internacional, showing he is balancing education with his professional ambitions.
His journey began at the SD Logroñés before he moved to the UD Logroñés youth system for his final year as a junior, making his debut in the División de Honor. It took just one season at that level to catch the eye of the first team. Initially planned for a move to the club’s B team, a single training session with the senior squad changed everything.
Standing 1.82 meters tall with an imposing physical presence, the right-footed midfielder quickly became a key figure. Coach Unai Mendia was so impressed by his competitive drive that he nicknamed him “el animal,” while former sporting director Quique Garcia saw a “perfil Premier” in him.
This season in Primera Federación, Issman has logged over 660 minutes for the team, solidifying his role as the engine of the midfield despite missing some matches due to suspension.
A New Era in the Logroñés-Madrid Pipeline
A decade ago, the relationship was largely one-way, with players like Jordan Gaspar moving from Madrid to Logroñés in 2016, and Reguilón and Sotillos doing the reverse on loan.
In recent years, however, the Logroñés club has invested in its own infrastructure, creating its own cadete team, professionalizing its coaching staff, and building a sports city with residential facilities. This investment bore fruit when their Juvenil A team reached the División de Honor in 2019 and has remained there. It is from this competitive environment that players like Manex Rezola and Latif Issman have emerged.
Issman follows in the footsteps of Rezola, who joined the Real Madrid Castilla in December 2025. The winger has since split his time between the Castilla and the Real Madrid C team. Now, Issman is set to make the same journey, reinforcing the pipeline of talent from Logroñés to Madrid.
Why the Real Madrid Targeted Issman
Issman is a versatile midfielder capable of playing as a defensive pivot or an interior. His standout attribute is his physicality and directness, particularly his ability to carry the ball. “Su gran carta de presentación es la conducción,” MARCA reported.
His game is defined by pressing high, recovering ground when opponents breach the first line, and providing defensive stability. While his physical and carrying abilities are advanced, his primary area for improvement is his decision-making in the final third, specifically when to release the ball after a driving run.
The Real Madrid’s decision to sign him aligns with the club’s philosophy of acquiring promising talent before their value peaks. The club considers his physical and technical qualities well-suited for their midfield, seeking young players who can develop within the club’s structure over the long term.
A Personal Journey and a Team Goal
Issman remains grounded in his roots. He is open and very attached to his people. This connection to his hometown is important to him, and it fuels his immediate objective: helping UD Logroñés.
Before departing for Madrid in the summer of 2027 to reunite with his former teammate Rezola, Issman is focused on concluding his current season successfully. His goal is to contribute to the team, ensuring he leaves a lasting positive impact on the club that nurtured his talent.
The transfer is expected to be finalized once the current season concludes, with Issman then joining the Real Madrid Castilla for the 2027/28 campaign. His primary path lies with the reserve squad.
