Jacobo Ramon's rise watched by Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso plots defensive overhaul

The young defender's development in Italy has given Madrid renewed confidence that he could soon play a major role in the club's long-term defensive rebuild.

With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba both nearing the twilight of their careers, Madrid's hierarchy have begun reshaping their back line for the future. Rudiger, now 32, has been sidelined since October 2025 with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out until mid-December, adding to his history of recurring muscle problems.

Alaba, 33, has been plagued by injuries since a serious cruciate ligament tear in December 2023 that sidelined him for over a year; he only recently returned to action in the 2024-25 season but suffered a calf injury in October 2025.

Club officials have reportedly decided not to extend Alaba's contract beyond June 2026 due to his injury history, while talks with Rudiger, whose deal also expires then, have been paused until next year amid his current recovery. This signals a generational shift at the Bernabeu.

Alonso has already started planning for that transition, welcoming the arrival of Dean Huijsen last summer and the return of Eder Militao, who has fully reintegrated into the squad after recovering from a major knee injury in November 2024 that kept him out for eight months. But the Spaniard is also keeping a close eye on those developing outside Madrid, particularly Ramon, who has been one of Cesc Fabregas' most consistent defenders at Como.

The 20-year-old centre-back has featured in eight Serie A matches so far this season, starting seven and logging over 620 minutes while earning praise for his composure and tactical awareness. Madrid sold Ramon to Como in July 2025 for around 2.5 million euros plus add-ons, but included a low buy-back clause of 8 million euros exercisable over the next three years and a 50 percent sell-on option, ensuring they retain significant control over his future.

Ramon himself has spoken warmly about his connection to Madrid, saying:

"I don't regret the decision I made at all. It was the right move because I'm very happy at Como. I'm the player and the person I am thanks to Madrid; I'm eternally grateful to them."

According to Spanish reports, Alonso and Madrid's technical staff remain "very satisfied" with his progress and could exercise their buy-back clause as early as next summer. Alongside fellow youth product Joan Martinez, the 18-year-old centre-back who has recently returned to first-team training after his own knee injury layoff, Ramon is seen as a potential cornerstone in Madrid's next defensive generation.

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