Real Madrid is on the hunt for a right-back for next season and it seems Florentino Pérez has found the right one. In recent weeks, many names have been rumored, from Alexander-Arnold to Pedro Porro, but it appears the chosen one is someone else. The possibility of Álex Jiménez, a Madrid youth academy player, returning to Santiago Bernabéu in the coming months is gaining significant traction.
At 19 years old, he's seen Milan place its bets on him, giving him his debut in Serie A. His performance has been strong in the lower categories, to the point where many see him succeeding at San Siro. However, Florentino will have the final say in the coming years, with the opportunity to bring him back to a Real Madrid that views his development very favorably.
Last summer, Milan executed the purchase option in Álex Jiménez's loan, valued at 5 million euros. Now, Real Madrid is seriously considering the possibility of buying him back, with this opportunity available in both 2025 and 2026. The plan is to continue observing his development in the first team over the coming months and then decide. Still, the idea is gaining momentum and has Ancelotti's approval.
Florentino Pérez knows Álex Jiménez is a bargain and is seriously considering bringing him back to Santiago Bernabéu. To do so, he would only have to pay 10 million euros for a right-back who is passionate about the club and would return home at just 20 years old.
Neither Arnold nor Pedro Porro: Florentino Finds New Right-Back, with Ancelotti's OK
The truth is that there are doubts at Real Madrid regarding the potential transfer of Arnold. He is appealing, but he doesn't quite fit. He will be a free agent in the coming months and could arrive for free, but he's demanding a salary that's too high. So far, there's no agreement and it seems unlikely one will be reached. After all, Liverpool is in a position to offer him much more money to keep him from leaving.
Considering this and the fact that Pedro Porro won't go for less than 70 million euros, Florentino Pérez and Ancelotti view this option very favorably. It seems clear that Real Madrid is closer to bringing back Álex Jiménez than making another move to strengthen the right side of the defense.
There's time ahead, but at the moment, the option of Álex Jiménez is the clearest at Santiago Bernabéu.