Xabi Alonso’s arrival could mark turning point for Real Madrid youth prospect – report | OneFootball

A report from Defensa Central suggests that Jesus Fortea, one of the brightest young prospects in Real Madrid’s academy, could finally get his big break with the arrival of Xabi Alonso at the helm.

The 18-year-old right-back, who joined the club from Atletico de Madrid’s youth setup, is currently under contract until 2026, but his future remains uncertain due to stalled renewal talks.

Despite Real Madrid’s previous attempts to extend his deal, Fortea’s camp, led by influential agent Jorge Mendes, turned down the offer, citing a lack of first-team opportunities and unmet developmental expectations.

The message from the youngster’s entourage has been consistent that Fortea believes he is ready to make the leap to the senior squad, and he won’t commit to a new contract unless his competitive growth is prioritised.

Now, with Alonso set to take charge of the first team, the landscape might finally shift in Fortea’s favour.

Alonso likes Fortea

Alonso is understood to be a fan of the young defender’s qualities and has already expressed an interest in holding a face-to-face meeting with Fortea to underline his importance to the project.

Jesus Fortea could gain prominence under Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

According to the report, Alonso intends to integrate Fortea into first-team training sessions, especially during pre-season, to assess his level in a more competitive setting.

Should he meet expectations, Fortea could be handed a legitimate role in the senior squad rotation.

Alonso’s initial assessments of Fortea have reportedly been overwhelmingly positive. The Spaniard is said to be baffled as to why Carlo Ancelotti never offered him a chance with the first team, especially given the injury crisis that hit the defence this past season.

Despite facing severe problems in defence, Ancelotti opted to promote other academy players like Lorenzo Aguado instead of Fortea, a decision that raised eyebrows among insiders at the club.

Alonso, however, seems determined to chart a different course. He views Fortea as a serious contender for first-team minutes and believes that continuity and confidence could see him develop into a long-term asset for Real Madrid.

From a tactical perspective, Fortea fits the modern mould of an aggressive, technically sound full-back, capable of contributing both in defence and attack, something Alonso values highly.