AC Milan cool interest in Real Madrid academy gem but Bundesliga club pushing | OneFootball

Victor Valdepenas is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects to have come through the Real Madrid youth academy in recent years.

The teenage defender, who can play at left-back and centre-back, made his first-team debut for the Merengues earlier this season under Xabi Alonso, starting in a La Liga game against Alaves in December 2025.

That remains his only first-team appearance, though, with the 19-year-old since returning to Castilla, where he has been playing regularly.

AC Milan cool interest, but Eintracht Frankfurt want Valdepenas

Given his talent and potential, a number of clubs across Europe are pushing to sign Victor Valdepenas, reports Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA.

AC Milan have been one of the teenage defender’s suitors for some time now, although as per the report, they have significantly cooled down their interest in him.

Victor Valdepenas is attracting plenty of interest. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri are understood to be not in favour of Real Madrid’s policy of selling only 50% of the player’s rights and retaining the remaining 50% – a strategy they have used with several departing youth players in recent years.

Despite Milan’s interest cooling off, Valdepenas is still being pursued by two other clubs strongly, one of whom happen to be Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

According to Moretto, the German outfit it seen as the closest in terms of chances to sign the 19-year-old Real Madrid starlet.

Valdepenas has a contract with Real Madrid until 2029, and is understood to be protected by a €50 million release clause following his first-team debut.

In the past, Premier League giants Arsenal have also shown interest in the defender, as have Borussia Dortmund.