Bianchin: Explaining Real Madrid’s clause as Jimenez could leave Milan for Bournemouth

Alex Jimenez appears to be one step away from leaving AC Milan, with Bournemouth leading the race as we speak. However, how does Real Madrid’s buy-back clause affect the deal?

When Milan signed Jimenez permanently from Real Madrid in 2024, following a season-long loan, they paid €5m. In the deal, the parties agreed to include a buy-back clause in favour of the Bernabeu side, worth €9m this summer and 12m next summer.

Naturally, this buy-back clause has been brought up as Milan are in talks with Bournemouth over a €25m move for the right-back. Will Real Madrid be able to bring the move to a halt? Luca Bianchin of Gazzetta dello Sport has explained the situation.

How the clause works

Essentially, Real Madrid now have the option to match any offer that comes in for Jimenez, like a classic right of first refusal. However, with Milan asking for €25m to sell the full-back to Bournemouth, it’s unlikely that the Spanish side will do so.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

But what about the aforementioned €9m clause? Albeit not specifically stated in the report, it’s clear from context that the buy-back clause has very specific deadlines. Most likely, it has to be triggered before a certain date in July, or even before June is up.

That is also why Real Madrid ‘only’ have a right of first refusal as things stand. If the move to Bournemouth materialises, it should also be noted that the €12m buy-back set for next summer would be considered null and void.