MN: A present and future pillar – Milan hope to keep wing-back despite Real Madrid clause | OneFootball

Alex Jimenez has been one of the few success stories of a difficult season for AC Milan, who hope to have him for years to come.

As MilanNews recall, Jimenez has been used as a left-back, a left winger, a right winger, a right-back and now as a wing-back during 2025 alone. His versatility is one of the many reasons that he has such a bright future ahead of him.

From his first appearances in the Rossoneri shirt, Jimenez has shown that he has the talent and character to adapt and improve, which is testified by the fact that he has become a reliable starter in the new 3-4-3 system, one all players have had to adjust to.

In the last 16 games, Sergio Conceiçao has only not fielded him once: against Fiorentina, simply because he was suspended. If he had been available, the Portuguese coach would have chosen Jimenez again.

Alex Jimenez: from sporadic to starter

At first, seeing Jimenez as a starter at Milan was a bit of a novelty but now it has become the norm, especially with this new system that allows him to get forward as a result of having less tasks in the defensive phase.

With his work rate, technical ability, speed and creativity, the tools are there for the Spaniard to become a top player and a pillar of the team. If Conceicao were to remain (as unlikely as it seems) or if the new coach wants to use a three-man defence, he could be an undisputed starter from game one.

There is also another important point: Jimenez’s continued rise would potentially make the permanent sale of Alexis Saelemaekers less bitter, a player who on a tactical level would be as useful as the current No.20.

However, the shadow of Real Madrid’s buy-back clause looms, even if Milan have no intention of letting go of Jimenez. At the same time, if Los Blancos believe he is good enough to return, it means that the work done in recent years by both parties has been excellent.