Real Madrid's Top Transfer Target Opens Up About Club's "Challenging" Pursuit
Como defender Jacobo Ramón has acknowledged that it was "challenging to bid farewell" to Real Madrid amid speculation about his possible comeback.
The center-back idolized Sergio Ramos during his development through Madrid's youth system from age eight. Ramón emerged on the periphery of Carlo Ancelotti's senior squad last season, managing six outings including a crucial injury-time goal against Mallorca in May.
Xabi Alonso brought the 21-year-old to America for last summer's Club World Cup, though nobody prevented his departure when Como presented a €2.5 million ($2.9 million) offer.
"Obviously, it's certainly challenging to leave what had been my home for such an extended period," Ramón shared in a recent interview with Como's official platform. "I considered everything—all my achievements in Madrid, my journey, and the numerous years I invested there—but I also recognized the appropriate moment had arrived to advance and join Como."
Ramón emphasized he remains "content" with Cesc Fàbregas's Serie A newcomers, though the allure of Real Madrid is undoubtedly difficult to resist for any Madrid-born player. Particularly when those opportunities become more frequent.
Jacobo Ramón Provides Affordable Answer to Real Madrid Dilemma
Jacobo Ramón Provides Affordable Answer to Real Madrid Dilemma
Madrid faces a central defensive challenge. Dean Huijsen has found his debut season difficult, Éder Militão cannot maintain fitness long enough to assist the newcomer while Raúl Asencio consistently includes careless lapses in concentration. David Alaba is expected to depart when his deal concludes this summer and Antonio Rüdiger might (and possibly should) accompany him through the exit.
These departures and shortcomings create a transfer market challenge for Madrid. This situation was so significant that the club even contemplated abandoning their January transfer reluctance by activating Ramón's buyback provision last month, according to The Athletic.
Como successfully retained their imposing defender and have benefited accordingly. Fàbregas has consistently relied on his fellow Spaniard, who helped the lakeside club defeat defending Serie A champions Napoli to reach their first Coppa Italia semifinal in four decades.
Composed with the ball and dominant in aerial duels, the 6'5" Spain U21 representative meets numerous criteria. Opta's statistical analysis of the defender provides a comparison with players possessing similar characteristics. Notably, Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, often mentioned as a Real Madrid target for next summer, ranks among the closest comparisons.
Ramón would cost significantly less than the German international. Indeed, with a transfer fee estimated around €8 million, Madrid could potentially acquire both Schlotterbeck and the academy product. He might not be the sole familiar face returning.
Ramón The Initial Among Several Internal Solutions for Real Madrid?
Ramón The Initial Among Several Internal Solutions for Real Madrid?
Ramón isn't the Como player with the highest probability of returning to Real Madrid. Reports suggest his colleague Nico Paz has already been arranged for a summer return after accepting terms with a comparable buyback clause arrangement.
While clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Inter have seen substantial offers rejected in recent transfer windows, Como would be powerless if Madrid presents merely €9 million due to the predetermined agreement conditions.
A graceful, left-footed attacking midfielder with scoring ability, Paz would enhance any squad. He could reunite in Madrid with Ramón and another central midfielder.
The previously mentioned Athletic article also indicated Madrid were tracking academy graduate Chema Andrés. The holding midfielder hasn't secured the same consistent playing time as his former colleagues since joining Stuttgart last summer, but his ball-handling skills in midfield are highly valued in the Spanish capital.
Madrid's quest for Toni Kroos's successor has proven as exhausting as it is unsuccessful. The inability to find Luka Modrić's replacement last summer has worsened existing problems and will certainly be resolved this year.
There have been discussions of nine-figure bids for players like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but the club might consider Andrés's return at a much lower cost.