Real Madrid will almost certainly not make any signings before the summer transfer window closes on Monday, despite having had the chance to make additions to Xabi Alonso’s squad. One of those could have been La Fabrica graduate Alex Jimenez, who is about to leave Milan.
Last summer, Milan completed the permanent signing of Jimenez, with Real Madrid netting €5m after the Rossoneri triggered the buy clause in the two clubs’ loan agreement. And as part of the deal, Los Blancos retained the option to re-sign the young defender for only €9m.
Real Madrid have considered triggering this, but it has now been decided that this will not. And they will now lose control of Jimenez’s future, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he is about to join Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
Real Madrid have given approval for Jimenez deal
Before a deal could be agreed between Bournemouth and Milan, Real Madrid had to make a definitive decision on whether to activate their buy-back clause – and they have decided against it. As a result, the 20-year-old will travel to England for the next stage of his career, doing so on loan with the Premier League side having a conditional obligation to buy.
Real Madrid could have viewed Jimenez as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, which would have seen him provide competition with summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, this is not the case, which makes some sense considering that another right-back in Jesus Fortea is highly thought of at Valdebebas.
Despite this, it would be no surprise to see Real Madrid officials keep tabs on Jimenez during his time in the Premier League, as a deal could still be sought in the future. But for now, they have chosen to cede control of his future.
