Real Madrid are not expected to complete any signings before the summer transfer window closes on Monday night, despite having had the option to reinforce Xabi Alonso’s squad. Among the potential additions was academy graduate Alex Jimenez, whose immediate future lies away from the Spanish capital.
The 20-year-old defender left Madrid for AC Milan in 2023, when the Italian side activated the €5m purchase clause included in his loan deal. At the same time, Los Blancos ensured a safeguard in the form of a €9m buy-back clause, which gave them the ability to re-sign him at a modest fee. After internal discussions, the Madrid board have now chosen not to trigger this option, meaning Jimenez will move on without the club retaining further control.
Jimenez set for England move
With Real Madrid stepping aside, Milan were free to negotiate with other clubs. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Jimenez is preparing to move to the Premier League, with AFC Bournemouth securing an agreement to take him on loan. The deal includes a conditional obligation to buy, which could make his switch permanent depending on certain factors being met.
This outcome could only be confirmed once Real Madrid declined to exercise their re-signing rights. Having made their decision, the Spanish club effectively cleared the path for Bournemouth, who will now integrate Jimenez into their squad as he begins a new chapter in his career.
Madrid’s right-back picture
Jimenez had been considered as a potential long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal. His return might also have created competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Madrid earlier in the summer. Instead, the club will proceed without him, showing confidence in their current depth on the right side of defence.
Part of this confidence stems from the presence of Jesús Fortea, a highly regarded youngster in the club’s youth system. Real Madrid believe that Fortea may develop into a first-team option in the years ahead, reducing the urgency to bring Jimenez back from Milan.
