Xabi Alonso pleased with development of Real Madrid academy defender playing in Serie A | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are both at the fag ends of their career and are not expected to stay at Real Madrid for much longer.

While the exact duration of their stay at the Spanish club will depend on several factors including their form and fitness, it is high time Los Blancos begin planning their long-term defensive plan.

Needless to say, Florentino Perez and Co. are already working hard on that front.

The signing of Dean Huijsen was a massive step in that regard while Eder Militao’s return from also serves as a great boost. 

Further, the club are eyeing a big defensive signing in June and AS now relays that the club is also monitoring some of their academy talents to take up a larger role in the first team.

The player in Como

As furthered by the sports outlet, Real Madrid are closely monitoring Jacobo Ramon and his development at Como this season.

Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Jacobo Ramon. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After all, Xabi Alonso knows the player well and even handed him minutes in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Real Madrid and Alonso personally continue to keep a close eye on the homegrown star, and the manager is repeatedly pleased with what he sees and hears about the defender.

Jacobo, thus, has serious options to return to Madrid next season as the club look to revamp their defence with young blood. Joan Martinez is another player who has a similar opportunity.

Real Madrid have maintained a buyback clause on the 20-year-old defender who has got off to a fine start to life in Italy.

Given that the value of the clause is very low, about €8 million, it will not be a problem for the club to bring him back home.