The One That Got Away: A Bournemouth Star Slips Past Real Madrid's Reach
25 January 2026
Alex Jimenez's Breakthrough Season
Alex Jimenez’s performance for Bournemouth against Liverpool proved a turning point in his season, confirming his bright development in the English Premier League at just twenty years old, showing a natural ability to compete in a physically and tactically demanding environment.
His progression has been noticeable: more playing time, steadier performances, and an increasingly pivotal role in Bournemouth's starting XI.
Jimenez even scored in Bournemouth's 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League.
Transfer Implications and the Road Ahead
Marca noted that his form throughout the season could lead to Bournemouth securing full registration, ending any future financial ties with Real Madrid.
The English club would take full ownership of his registration, cutting any future financial links with Madrid.
The deal is reported to be worth 22 million euros plus bonuses from Milan, reflecting a firm commitment to the player's immediate potential rather than a long-term bet.
This is not a speculative move, but an investment in proven form within the league.
From now on, any Real Madrid scenario is likely to follow one path: direct talks with Bournemouth, with no intermediary buybacks.
If Madrid wants to bring back Jimenez, as once planned, they would need to act during the transfer window and negotiate with a club that owns the player and controls his sporting fate.
Jimenez was a Real Madrid player before moving to Milan, with Madrid retaining a potential re-buy option.
Last summer Milan announced the Spanish player's move to Bournemouth on loan with an obligation to buy, after Madrid approved the arrangement.
Punchline 1: Real Madrid learned the hard way that sometimes a buy-back is a one-way street—toward Bournemouth’s boardroom.
Punchline 2: If football transfers were dating apps, this match would be it's complicated with a four-way connection between clubs, agents, and a slightly smug calendar.
