Soccer at Real Madrid doesn't always follow a predictable path. Many players who land in the Spanish capital with high expectations end up seeing their opportunities fade away. Jeremy de León, a Puerto Rican winger, arrived with great expectations but has experienced a year of uncertainty and few minutes of play.
Jeremy's First Year at Real Madrid
A year ago, in January 2024, Jeremy de León signed with Real Madrid from Castellón. His arrival caused great excitement, and the young winger was expected to be a key reinforcement for Castilla and the first team. He was considered a crucial piece in Raúl González's plans, with the goal of establishing himself in the Madrid structure.
However, the reality was very different. Although Jeremy played just 195 minutes in 8 matches with Castilla in the second half of last season, the story with the first team was even more curious.
Instead of regularly integrating into Ancelotti's team, his presence was a true coincidence. He was drafted for some Champions League matches as a "talisman," but never as a key piece. In fact, he wasn't even registered for the European matches.
Ancelotti's Surprise
Far from integrating Jeremy de León into his regular plans, Carlo Ancelotti used him in specific moments, almost always as an emergency measure. In the return leg against Manchester City, after the famous "miracle of Manchester," the Puerto Rican was part of the group. The same happened in the Champions League final in London. Despite not having continuity in Castilla, Ancelotti trusted him when the situation required it.
During the 2024 preseason, Jeremy was on the American tour with the first team, along with other youth players, and expectations seemed to revive. However, the young winger suffered an ankle injury that stopped him in his tracks. Upon his return, his presence in Castilla was very limited, and his participation barely exceeded 25 minutes in the matches he played.
Injuries and the Uncertain Future
Jeremy de León's situation worsened with a new shoulder injury, which required surgery in November. Since then, he hasn't played any matches, and the chances of him regaining prominence seem slim. After three months of absence, Jeremy's future at Real Madrid seems increasingly uncertain.
With Jeremy's situation at Castilla stalled and without establishing himself as a starter, the question about his future at the club arises strongly. Ancelotti's team continues to fight for its objectives, and with such a competitive team, it's becoming increasingly difficult for Jeremy to find a place. In fact, some rumors suggest a possible departure next transfer market, once he regains his physical form.