CorSport: How Milan plan to use the U23 squad to further nurture Jimenez | OneFootball

After the confirmation of Alex Jimenez’s permanent arrival yesterday, the plans for his future have been further established, and it seems AC Milan are looking to put minimal pressure on the Spaniard.

Whilst Jimenez impressed heavily during last season and even earned senior appearances in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, there is not a desire for him to be a first-team player next year, even if he may have the ability to do so.

Instead, as Corriere dello Sport (via Milan News) reports, the plans are to allow him to further develop in the new Milan Futuro side, which will see some of the Primavera stars play in Serie C – a beneficial deal for all parties.

Whilst Jimenez is probably good enough to play at a higher level, having him in the Futuro picture means that Milan can keep a close eye on his progression at Milanello, as opposed to receiving reports, and he will still be given a taste of senior football, rather than playing at the youth level still.

More importantly than anything, though, it allows Paulo Fonseca to have the option to call him up to the senior team if required, giving him chances to impress whilst having regular football rather than him rarely getting a chance due to Theo Hernandez’s dominance of the position.

Of course, Real Madrid will keep a keen eye on the full-back, given they have a future buy-back clause in the deal, but the priority for the Rossoneri is focusing on the now.