Spanish giants Real Madrid have perfected the art of allowing their young players to move elsewhere and develop through intelligent contractual structures.
According to reports, Los Blancos are set to activate a buy-back clause to re-sign young Spanish defender Jacobo Ramon next year.
As defensive leadership along the backline faces impending transition, the Spanish capital club's recruitment department has activated a strategically placed repurchase option, securing a proven, high-performing talent at a fraction of his current market value.
The youngster has been impressive at Como, enjoying a meteoric rise that has brought him to the notice of several of Europe's leading sides.
Real Madrid set to sign highly-rated defender Ramon
Journalist Matteo Moretto revealed via the DAZN network that Real Madrid have decided to sign Spain U-21 international Ramon from Como.
The 21-year-old has been impressive since moving to Italy in a €2.5 million deal in the summer of 2025, with the Spanish side retaining a 50% sell-on clause and three buy-back clauses.
The clause for the summer of 2027 is set to cost a reported €9 million, representing a significant profit for the Serie A high-flyers.
Ramon is an active target for several Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Manchester United, having distinguished himself as a 'superb' talent and one of Europe's leading young centre-backs for Como.
He has scored in the Italian top-flight and UEFA Champions League this season, adding a goal threat to his defensive capability.
Why the €9m buy-back clause is a smart investment
Real Madrid's leadership has long mastered the art of protecting their academy graduates by embedding precise buy-back clauses when selling young prospects to gain top-flight experience.
By retaining this exclusive option in this case, the club has positioned itself to re-acquire their former youth standout for a bargain fee of just €9 million.
Given soaring inflation in the modern defensive transfer market—where top-tier central and full-backs routinely command upwards of €50 million—bringing back a proven, technically polished defender for single-digit millions represents exceptional business.
Earlier this year, the club re-signed Nico Paz from Como on a similar deal, only to sell him for more than €50 million more to the same club, while still retaining a buy-back clause in the new structure.
They declined to activate the clause in the case of Chema Andres in the summer, allowing him to join Brighton & Hove Albion from Stuttgart while banking 50% of his transfer fee.
Defensive succession planning under Jose Mourinho
With veteran leaders in the backline facing inevitable contract renewals and physical wear over coming seasons, injecting youthful resilience, tactical discipline, and familiarity with the club's culture is paramount.
German centre-back Antonio Rudiger will soon leave the club, with David Alaba having left at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Ibrahima Konate was the only senior centre-back brought in in the summer, leaving room for the signing of one or more quality options in the coming windows.
Ramon will arrive having accumulated crucial first-team minutes, making him fully prepared to compete for a regular starting berth.
The youngster played six times for the club before moving to Italy, and is deemed as ready to become a regular at the Bernabeu.
This move highlights Real Madrid's proactive approach to squad planning, ensuring smooth generational transitions without breaking the financial bank.
