Real Madrid academy defender on his way to Spanish second-division club | OneFootball

Real Madrid have bid goodbye to a number of players from their reserve team, Castilla this summer. And, as deadline day looms, a few more exits appear to be on the cards.

As previously reported, reserve team captain Manuel Angel is expected to sign for Fulham, joining former teammates Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios under Alvaro Arbeloa.

Meanwhile, another young academy talent who made his debut last season, David Jimenez, is set to leave the Spanish capital club.

David Jimenez headed to Real Oviedo

Indeed, according to MARCA, Jimenez is all set to join La Liga HyperMotion side Real Oviedo on a permanent transfer imminently.

The 22-year-old right-back will sign for the Asturian side for no transfer fee, while Los Blancos will retain a 50% future sell-on clause on their academy product.

Set to depart. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Jimenez is expected to sign a long-term contract, with the agreement set to run for at least three seasons.

A step forward for Jimenez

For Jimenez, the move represents his first opportunity to establish himself in professional football.

The 22-year-old defender made 28 appearances for Castilla last season, scoring one goal and providing eight assists.

The La Fabrica graduate also made his first-team debut for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, starting in the Copa del Rey tie against CF Talavera last December, adding another milestone to his development.

Jimenez will join Real Oviedo. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

However, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and new signing Denzel Dumfries firmly established as Jose Mourinho’s preferred options at right-back, there was no room for the 22-year-old in the senior setup this season.

And, with his cycle at Castilla coming to an end, Jimenez has decided to take up a fresh challenge by signing for Oviedo, who are back in the Spanish second division after being relegated from La Liga last season.

As they do with almost each of their departing academy talents, Real Madrid will retain 50% rights on Jimenez, which could allow them to re-sign him for a reasonable fee or profit from any future sale.

The youngster leaves his boyhood club after making a total of four first-team appearances.