Real Madrid youth prodigy Jesus Fortea is currently at a very important stage of his career.
Though still just a youth player with no real experience of the first-team, Fortea has become the subject of interest for a myriad of top clubs across Europe.
This has put pressure on Real Madrid, who are yet to offer Fortea any real opportunity to break into the first team. And it is this indecisiveness that may prove to be costly for Los Blancos, potentially leading them to lose the player.
The loophole in Fortea’s contract
According to MARCA, Fortea’s contract contains a clause that could allow the youngster to leave Valdebebas unilaterally this summer, without Real Madrid being able to block his departure.
If the club does not register him with the first team next season, Fortea is entitled to leave on loan to any club playing in a higher division than Castilla, provided such an offer arrives.
Fortea remains a wanted prospect in the transfer market. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Ajax, Porto, Bayer Leverkusen and several La Liga clubs have all been credited with interest in the right-back.
The clause came as part of a contract extension signed last season, when Real Madrid moved quickly to fend off a €5 million approach from AC Milan for 50% of his rights.
The club extended his deal until 2028 on lucrative terms, but had to include the exit clause as part of the agreement to secure his signature.
Fortea has since gone on to represent Spain’s Under-20 side at the World Cup, win the Youth League and become a key figure in Castilla’s push for promotion. His market value stands at €3 million, one of the highest in the Castilla squad.
With Carvajal likely to depart and a vacancy emerging at right-back, Real Madrid face a defining decision – promote Fortea to the first team, or risk losing one of La Fabrica’s most exciting prospects.
