Official: Napoli buy Rafa Marin from Real Madrid in complex deal

Napoli have formally announced the signing of defender Rafa Marin from Real Madrid in a very complex deal worth €12m, but with versatile buy-back clauses.

The centre-back underwent medical tests in Rome on Monday and Tuesday at the Villa Stuart clinic, then signed the contract at the offices of President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

He turned 22 in May and plays primarily as a central defender, but can also work on the right.

Marin spent the last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves.

Details of Rafa Marin move to Napoli

Although Napoli do not make the details of their financial operations known, multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia had covered the complex move.

It is worth €12m, but Real Madrid have a buy-back clause that can be activated from June 2026 for €25m, then rising to €35m in June 2027.

However, if Napoli were to pay an extra €10m in June 2025, then it would effectively double those buy-back clauses for Real Madrid to €50m and €70m respectively.

Once the Rafa Marin sale is completed, Real Madrid can then purchase Leny Yoro from Lille.

This is important because while Manchester United agreed a transfer fee with his club, Yoro is waiting only for the Merengues.