Report: 22-year-old Real Madrid academy defender wanted by three Spanish clubs | OneFootball

As the summer transfer window enters its critical final phase, Real Madrid’s La Fabrica is once again the subject of intense scrutiny from clubs across the Spanish football pyramid.

The latest prospect to draw significant attention is 22-year-old right-back David Jimenez, who has emerged as a concrete target for both UD Almeria and Real Oviedo.

Indeed, according to journalist Angel Garcia, both Almeria and Oviedo have formally enquired about the defender’s situation, viewing him as an ideal reinforcement for their respective backlines.

While Cadiz also made an initial approach to gauge the player’s availability, the journalist suggests that Jimenez is not currently considered a priority option for the Andalusian club, who are focusing their efforts on other alternatives.

A proven academy talent

Jimenez, a tenacious and attack-minded full-back, has long been regarded as one of the most consistent performers at Real Madrid Castilla.

David Jimenez is expected to leave. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

His senior breakthrough finally arrived during the 2025/26 campaign, as he made his official first-team debut on 17 December 2025 in a Copa del Rey fixture against CF Talavera de la Reina.

Handed a start by then-manager Xabi Alonso, Jimenez played the full 90 minutes in a hard-fought 3-2 victory, impressing with his defensive work rate and maturity.

He followed this milestone with his La Liga bow just days later, appearing as a substitute against Sevilla in late December. In total, Jiménez has racked up four senior appearances for Los Blancos – two in the league and two in the cup.

Notably, he was handed his first league start on 8 February 2026 against Valencia by Alvaro Arbeloa, where he delivered a disciplined 76-minute performance in a 2-0 win, helping his side keep a clean sheet at the Mestalla.

The search for regular football

Headed for the second division? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Despite his successful integration into the first-team dynamic, the pathway to a regular starting spot remains obstructed by established heavyweights in the Real Madrid squad.

After all, Trent Alexander-Arnold was already ahead of him in the pecking order and the Merengues roped in Denzel Dumfries this summer.

With his contract running until 2027 and over 70 appearances for Castilla under his belt, the consensus is that Jimenez has outgrown youth football and requires consistent minutes in a competitive senior environment.

As such, he has been tipped to leave the club, along with fellow Castilla teammate Manuel Angel before the window closes.

Real Madrid are expected to weigh their options carefully, likely preferring a loan deal or a sale with a buy-back clause to retain control over the youngster’s promising future.