Real Madrid are on the verge of losing their contractual grip on former Castilla defender Alex Jimenez, as Bournemouth nears a permanent deal for the breakout star.
According to The Athletic, the Spanish giants are just two appearances away from seeing their buy-back options and right of first refusal effectively extinguished.
Bournemouth’s Pursuit of Alex Jimenez
The young Spaniard, who joined the Cherries on loan from AC Milan last summer, has become a vital part of Andoni Iraola’s squad, clocking 1,382 minutes in the Premier League.
Alex Jimenez has a specific clause in his contract that triggers a mandatory permanent transfer for €19.5 million once he reaches a set appearance threshold.
He currently needs only two more matches (playing 45 minutes or more) to activate this obligation.
The End of Real Madrid’s Buy-Back Clauses
If the purchase is triggered, Bournemouth will officially own the player, rendering Real Madrid’s previous agreements with AC Milan void.
The only scenario where the club would retain their control is if Jimenez were to return to the San Siro at the end of the season—an outcome that looks highly unlikely given his current form and regular starting role in England.
Financial Breakdown of the Transfer
The deal is structured so that both AC Milan and Real Madrid benefit financially from the permanent move.
Out of the €19.5 million fee (which could rise by an additional €5 million in bonuses), Milan will pocket the first €5 million.
The remaining amount will then be split equally, with the Merengues set to receive a significant windfall while simultaneously losing their future sporting rights over the defender.
