Real Madrid have pocketed €13m from Álex Jiménez’s move to Bournemouth, without ever playing the youngster.
That’s according to Marca, who cover the deal today. The Spanish newspaper reports that Real Madrid have played something of a blinder with the 20-year-old.
Jiménez joined Bournemouth on loan from AC Milan in the summer and hasn’t looked back since. He has established himself as a key player under Andoni Iraola and quickly developed into a rising star.
The loan included an option to buy, which Bournemouth have now activated. Milan were already celebrating that earlier thsi month. Sport Witness covered a report last week on how they were ‘cashing in’ on the deal.
Real Madrid and AC Milan celebrate
And it seems Real Madrid have reason to celebrate too. Jiménez emerged from their youth academy and left for AC Milan in a €14.25m deal in 2024.
That deal, though, included a clause entitling Madrid to 50% of any future transfer fee. Marca report they’ve pocketed €13m from Jiménez’s permanent move to Bournemouth.
The clause is something the Spanish side use regularly. Indeed, the strategy has paid off with Nico Paz, Rafa Marín and Jacobo Ramón in recent years. Now they’re benefitting from Bournemouth’s work with Jiménez as well.
Marca say the initial loan was only to ‘regain confidence’ but has turned into a financial goldmine for Milan and Madrid.
Return to Real Madrid
Now the question is what comes next for the youngster. His development has been ‘progressive and evident’ with Bournemouth. That has largely been due to increased playing time, consistency and the stable presence Bournemouth have given him.
It has enabled him to fulfil the potential Milan and Madrid saw early, leaving his future looking bright.
He’s happy too. Sport Witness covered quotes from him recently insisting his focus was on the Cherries for the forseeable future. He did, though, admit he’d love to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Right now, I’m focused on Bournemouth this season,” he said.
“But going back would be a dream come true because I grew up there and it’s the place where I became who I am today.”