Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s ‘new Carvajal’ may not renew his contract as concerns grow
Jesus Fortea’s future at Real Madrid appears to be uncertain, as recent reports from The Athletic suggest that the young right-back’s contract renewal is now in doubt.
It must be noted that the 17-year-old was at the centre of a controversial move in 2022 when Real Madrid signed him from Atletico Madrid, breaking a long-standing non-aggression pact between the two clubs.
Atletico even took legal action over the transfer, highlighting the significance of the move. However, despite the high expectations surrounding him, Fortea has yet to make an appearance for the senior team.
No first-team action yet
Currently part of Real Madrid’s under-19 squad, Fortea has not even featured for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team. This lack of progression is surprising, given that he was once seen as the potential successor to Dani Carvajal.
With no clear pathway to the first team, doubts are growing over whether he will extend his current contract, which runs until 2026.
Last summer, frustration began to build within Fortea’s camp when he was left out of Real Madrid’s pre-season tour in the United States. Although he did train with the senior squad in October, this did not translate into further opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti.
His last significant involvement came in November when he played for Spain in the Under-19 European Championship qualifiers, but he has not trained with the first team since.
Real Madrid want him to stay
Despite the growing uncertainty, sources within Real Madrid’s academy remain optimistic about reaching a renewal agreement.
Talks between the club and Fortea’s representatives are expected to take place once he turns 18 in March. However, if no deal is agreed upon, a summer departure could become a real possibility.
The priority for Real Madrid is to keep Fortea at the club, but if an exit becomes inevitable, they would want a deal that allows them to maintain some level of control over his future.
With Fortea reportedly unhappy with his current situation, his future remains a key topic of discussion, and the next few months will be crucial in determining what lies ahead for the young defender.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
