Top clubs have begun making plans towards adding quality to their squad despite being only about three months into the 2026-27 season.

According to reports, Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Ghanaian midfielder Latif Issman on a permanent deal for the 2027-28 season.

The 20-year-old will leave UD Logrones in the summer of 2027 and join Real Madrid Castilla, becoming their first confirmed addition for the future.

Who is Latif Issman? The Ghanaian powerhouse heading to Valdebebas

Born on November 1, 2006, Latif Issman has steadily forged a reputation as one of the most imposing young midfielders in Spanish football's lower tiers.

He began his football journey in Ghana before moving to Spain to play for SD Logrones at youth level, and joined city rivals UD Logrones at junior level.

The youngster progressed through the Juvenil A (División de Honor) and Promesas sides before earning a first-team promotion in July 2025 under coach Unai Mendia.

Central defensive midfielder Issman is praised for his work rate, ball recovery, intensity, ability to cover ground, physical presence, and capacity to break lines or progress play.

He is seen as a high-energy player suited to a double pivot who can also contribute in transition due to his ability to spring attacks after breaking up opposition attacks.

Issman's consistent displays drew fierce scouting interest from multiple top-flight clubs, including reigning La Liga champions Barcelona, and Real Madrid moved quickest to secure his signature on a three-year deal.

The deal structure: Issman set for Bernabeu switch

According to Marca (via Fabrizio Romano), Real Madrid have signed Issman to a deal until 2030 after they reached an agreement with his third-tier club.

The Spanish giants had tried to sign him in the summer but failed to find an agreement with his club, leading them to walk away from the deal at the time.

They returned to the negotiating table for the midfielder and agreed with Logrones, bather than rushing him mid-season, their hierarchy crafted a measured developmental pathway for him.

Under the finalized agreement reached on November 12, the Ghanaian will remain at UD Logrones through the conclusion of the 2026–27 season to continue accumulating vital senior minutes.

With a modest initial fee anchored around his €300,000 release clause and performance-based add-ons, the move reflects Los Blancos' proactive approach to locking down high-ceiling talent early.

The move follows transfers for Sergio Martinez and Oscar Naasei, both of whom were signed in the summer to join the Castilla team.

Like the other two, Issman has featured in the lower divisions in Spain, appearing 32 times in total for Logrones over the last two seasons.

Lessons for young players from Latif Issman's path

Young players must understand that consistency will always catch the eyes of top-flight scouts. Issman's consistent, dominant performances in Spain's Primera RFEF earned him a move to a higher level within two seasons.

Also, young players must embrace gradual progression and not rush through steps in their career. Issman has featured prominently in Spain's lower divisions, gradually rising to the top league with consistent performances.

Young midfielders must learn to combine defensive duel-winning grit with the confidence to carry the ball forward and feed their forwards. Developing relentless stamina, ground coverage, and physical strength to go with quality passing makes young players indispensable assets in modern midfield systems.