AC Milan have reportedly initiated discussions with Real Madrid regarding the future of Alex Jimenez. The Spanish full-back has become an integral part of Sergio Conceiçao`s squad, even displacing Kyle Walker from the starting lineup in recent matches.
The Rossoneri are eager to retain the promising 19-year-old talent at San Siro for the long term. Their primary objective is to prevent Real Madrid from exercising their €9 million buy-back option for the versatile defender this summer.
Despite ongoing efforts to appoint a new sporting director, Milan have already decided to prioritize keeping Jimenez, who is under contract until 2028 with an option for an additional year. The club acquired him from Real Madrid last summer for €5 million, but the Spanish giants retained a clause to re-purchase their academy product for €9 million.
Milan`s Strategy to Retain Jimenez
Reports suggest that Milan have begun preliminary discussions with Jimenez`s representatives and Real Madrid officials. The Italian club aims to express their strong desire to keep the player beyond the summer transfer window and potentially secure his long-term future at San Siro.
Jimenez has recently established himself as a regular starter under Conceiçao`s new 3-4-3 system. His versatility has been on display as he has featured both as a left-back and right wing-back, even outperforming the experienced Kyle Walker in recent fixtures.
Walker, currently on loan from Manchester City, has recently returned from an elbow injury. However, Conceiçao has opted to start Jimenez in the last four Serie A matches, leaving the English defender on the bench twice.
Previous reports from January 2024 indicated that Real Madrid`s clause to re-sign Jimenez is valid for both 2025 and 2026, giving Milan additional motivation to secure the player`s future at the earliest opportunity.