Xabi Alonso not only played at Real Madrid, but spent a year there coaching their under-19s side, and his contacts in the Spanish capital are no doubt a major advantage when it comes to operating in the transfer market. It looks as if Bayer Leverkusen are looking to bring back defender Melvin Ukpeigbe.
The 17-year-old right-back spent last season on loan at Leverkusen, and according to Relevo, they are keen to have Ukpeigbe back on loan again, with another option to buy. While they decided against executing their €4m buy option this summer, die Werkself do still believe he has sufficient potential to become a first-team player eventually. Real Madrid’s willingness to let him go stems from their confidence in Jesus Fortea, another right-back of the same age, who is tipped for a big future at Valedebebas.
Real Madrid broke their pact of non-aggression when it comes to youth players with Atletico Madrid in order to get Fortea through the door, and some are speaking of him as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal. As is often the case with Real Madrid, they tend to be keen to include a way back for their academy graduates too, generally translating to a 50% sell-on fee.
