Real Madrid News
Real Madrid lose control of former academy starlet’s future after big-money move to the Premier League
One of the most significant moves for Real Madrid on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, surprisingly, had nothing to do with a direct departure or arrival from the club.
Instead, it was the sale of Chema Andres who moved from Stuttgart to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League for a big fee, part of which Real Madrid were entitled to as they held 50% of the player’s rights.
The youngster, thus, became part of a historic transfer window for Real Madrid where the club made over €200 million from youth player sales, windfalls and other similar operations.
Real Madrid lose their rights
As reported by Diario AS, Chema’s move from Serie A to the Premier League closed for a sum of €23 million last night, making it a costly operation for Brighton.
We are pleased to confirm the signing of Chema Andres on a five-year deal from VfB Stuttgart! ✍️
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 1, 2026
Owing 50% of his rights, Real Madrid pocketed €11.5 million straight from the transfer and will be pleased with that development. There is, however, a twist.
After taking home their handsome windfall, Real Madrid have forfeited all rights over the player. Not only do they no longer hold a percentage of his ownership but they also have no more buy-back clauses or any priority purchase option.
The connection between Chema and Real Madrid is thus severed for good, and Brighton now own 100% of the player with complete control over his future.
A tactical decision
Real Madrid knew well in advance that they would lose control of the player once his move to England went through but chose not to act on it.
Spain to Sussex. Andres is Albion. 🇪🇸💫 pic.twitter.com/r547lYsmOM
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 1, 2026
The Merengues had a buy-back option on the player and could have signed him back this summer as an intermediate step before releasing him to Brighton if they wished to retain control.
Their decision not to interfere in matters is an indication that they were prepared to lose control of his future, and is thus a completely planned decision.
After all, the scope for Chema to return to Real Madrid in the long run is near-zero. Nevertheless, the hope will be that he can continue to flourish and grow in England into the player he has always been hyped to be.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
