Real Madrid close to finalising youngster’s sale to French club for €8 million – report | OneFootball

According to AS, Real Madrid are close to completing another significant academy transfer, with Jacobo Ortega edging towards a move to Strasbourg.

The French club are in advanced talks with Los Blancos over a deal that would see them acquire 50% of the striker’s rights for around €8 million, allowing the Spanish club to retain substantial control over his future.

The agreement with the player is understood to be virtually complete, leaving the two clubs to finalise the remaining details.

Real Madrid protecting their future interest

Real Madrid value the 20-year-old at €16 million, a remarkable figure for a player who has yet to make his first-team debut.

Rather than sanctioning a full sale, the club are negotiating a structure that would allow them to retain half of his economic rights, alongside buy-back and matching rights should they wish to bring him back in the future.

Set to join Strasbourg. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/jacobo.ortegaa)

The approach mirrors the strategy the Merengues have increasingly adopted with some of their brightest academy talents, allowing players to gain senior experience elsewhere while preserving long-term control.

Strasbourg beat other suitors

Jacobo attracted interest from several La Liga clubs after an outstanding campaign, but Strasbourg have emerged as the favourites thanks to their determination to complete the deal.

A key figure behind the move is sporting director David Weir, who has identified the striker as one of the club’s priority targets.

Strasbourg’s financial backing has also strengthened their position. The Ligue 1 side are part of the BlueCo ownership group, which also owns Chelsea, giving them significant resources in the transfer market.

A breakthrough season for Jacobo

Jacobo has enjoyed the best season of his young career. After struggling for consistent opportunities in previous campaigns, Jacobo remained committed to Real Madrid and was rewarded with a breakout year.

Another significant academy exit for Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Splitting his time between Real Madrid C, Castilla and the Juvenil A side in the UEFA Youth League, he scored 19 goals across all competitions.

He also played an important role in the club’s successful Youth League campaign, finding the net in both the quarter-finals and the final as Madrid lifted the trophy.

Within Valdebebas, Jacobo has earned comparisons to Karim Benzema because of his playing style rather than simply his goalscoring record.

His technical quality, movement, link-up play and ability to combine with teammates have made him one of the academy’s most highly regarded attacking prospects.

If negotiations are completed as expected, Strasbourg will secure one of Spain’s brightest young forwards, while Real Madrid will retain a significant stake in a player they still believe could have a future at the Santiago Bernabeu.