Real Madrid academy talent rejected offers from two Champions League clubs to renew | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso’s arrival changes the importance of the academy in Real Madrid’s plans and the change is obvious even before he has got time to impose his ideas at the club.

There is already word that the manager is planning to take multiple youngsters to the FIFA Club World Cup later this month and there is thus a fresh sense of life in La Fabrica.

In fact, the recent renewal of Jesus Fortea was heavily influenced by Alonso’s appointment as the first team manager and it is clear that the academy bet their chances of making it big on the club legend’s presence.

Fortea’s special case

As relayed in a recent report by AS, Fortea had multiple lucrative options on his table that he rejected to stay in Madrid and pursue his dream.

Jesus Fortea rejected multiple offers. (Photo by Ricardo Nascimento/Getty Images for DFB)

In fact, he had two offers to join the first team of clubs playing in the UEFA Champions League next season – one from Germany and one from Italy. There was also reported interest from the Premier League.

Moreover, both UCL-offering deals involved a significant pay raise compared to what he currently earns at Real Madrid’s subsidiary team. The player, however, did not show any interest and chose Real Madrid.

The prodigal full-back, thus, will look to prove his worth later this month at the FIFA Club World Cup where he could well have minutes as an impact substitute.

Fortea signed for Real Madrid amid huge controversy as he was a part of Atletico Madrid’s academy and made a daring switch despite there being a pact of non-aggression between the two parties.

Having put so much at risk, it is clear why the teenager sees patience and persistence to be his best route forward. After all, it is his dream to enter the long-term plans of Xabi Alonso.