Real Madrid continue to monitor former midfielder despite losing buy-back clause – report

Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close watch on former academy midfielder Chema Andres following his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion, although the Spanish giants no longer hold the contractual advantages that could have facilitated his return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 21-year-old has made an encouraging start to life in the Premier League, attracting renewed attention from his former club as he continues developing in English football. Madrid are understood to be monitoring his performances, but any future attempt to bring him back would require negotiations directly with Brighton.

Chema developed within Real Madrid’s academy system before leaving the club and subsequently joining Stuttgart. His progress in Germany eventually led to a move to Brighton, where he is now seeking to establish himself as a regular contributor in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.

His transfer to the English club was among the notable moves involving former Madrid players during the closing stages of the summer transfer window. Brighton reportedly paid €23 million to secure his services from Stuttgart, while Real Madrid received a significant financial return because of the economic rights they retained.

Madrid were entitled to 50 per cent of the transfer fee, allowing them to collect approximately €11.5 million from the transaction. Although the payment represented a financial benefit, the deal also ended the contractual arrangements that had previously provided the Spanish club with certain advantages over Chema’s future.

Real Madrid reportedly chose not to activate their buy-back clause during the previous summer. Following his move to Brighton, the club no longer possesses a buy-back option, a priority purchase right or any remaining ownership rights that would allow it to influence the midfielder’s next destination.

Brighton now have full control over Chema’s future and would decide whether to consider any offers should another club attempt to sign him. Consequently, Madrid would need to reach an agreement with the Premier League side if they eventually decided to pursue a reunion.

Chema’s initial performances in England have provided encouraging signs of his potential. He has recorded one goal and one assist across five appearances, accumulating approximately 380 minutes of playing time since joining Brighton.

Operating primarily in a deeper midfield role, the Spaniard has been involved in helping his team maintain possession and provide structure in the middle of the pitch. His ability to contribute to the team’s build-up play has formed part of his early adaptation to English football.

Despite the positive start, Chema’s immediate priority is expected to remain establishing himself at Brighton. Regular minutes will be important as he adjusts to the Premier League’s physical demands, tactical intensity and competitive schedule.

For Real Madrid, continuing to observe his development offers an opportunity to assess how a former academy prospect progresses after leaving the club. His early contributions may strengthen the case for keeping him under consideration, but there is currently no clear indication that Madrid are preparing an immediate bid.

The absence of contractual safeguards would make any future pursuit more complicated, particularly if Chema continues improving and attracts interest from other teams. Brighton would be under no obligation to negotiate a return to his former club and could determine their own conditions for any potential sale.

For now, Madrid appear content to follow his progress rather than make a concrete move. Whether the midfielder eventually returns to the Spanish capital will depend on his development, Brighton’s position and the willingness of both clubs to negotiate a deal.