Real Madrid have struggled to spend too many academy talents in recent years, but if they had high hopes for anyone, it's Jesus Fortea. The right-back, good enough for Real Madrid to break their non-aggression pact with rivals Atletico Madrid to sign him as a 15-year-old from Los Colchoneros, is tipped to be one of the best of his generation.
However, Los Blancos will be keen to ensure that his development continues at the required rate. According to Marca, Real Madrid were in talks over a new deal with Fortea and were in the final stages of reaching an agreement to give him his first senior and long-term deal when he turns 18 in March. However, those talks have been stopped by Fortea's camp.
The delay is due to his playing situation. Fortea remains involved with the under-19 side, but when Real Madrid lost Dani Carvajal to injury, Fortea trained as part of the first team, and the plan was for him to be involved in the senior side. The teenage full-back was not kept in the senior squad and did not receive the debut he was hoping for.
Teammate Diego Aguado in Centre-Back received a debut in the Copa del Rey from Carlo Ancelotti, but it was Loren Aguado who favored Fortea against Deportiva Minera. Moreover, Raul Gonzalez has yet to call him for Real Madrid Castilla matches with any regularity, which could leave him questioning his position. Instead of immediately signing a new deal, Fortea will sit down with Real Madrid in June when he can 'better evaluate his situation'.
It is concerning news for Los Blancos, who will be desperate to prevent Fortea from seeking a move. He has a deal until 2026 but Cesc Fabregas' side have already shown interest in him and losing him would send the wrong message to the rest of the academy. As much as Raul Asencio's progress will encourage Castilla players to push into first-team football, a left turn with Fortea would send the opposite message.
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