Jesus Fortea Commits Future to Real Madrid with New Contract Until 2029

Teenage defender Jesus Fortea has signed a new contract with Real Madrid. He will stay at the club until June 2029. The talented right-back signed the deal after successful talks with the club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have secured Jesus Fortea‘s future with a new four-year contract extension. This shows a big commitment from both sides. Earlier this year, there were rumors that Fortea might leave. The contract talks went on for weeks as the club laid out their plans for him, leading to an agreement.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this year, Fortea had told the club he would not extend his deal and intended to leave this summer. His existing deal was to run out in 2026, raising doubts over his long-term future at the club. He also felt snubbed by former first team manager Carlo Ancelotti and Castilla boss Raul last term. After all, he was frozen out of the first-team even though first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal suffered a lengthy injury lay-off.

But Alvaro Arbeloa’s recent promotion to coach Real Madrid Castilla has improved Fortea’s prospects and he is likely to be named in new first-team boss Xabi Alonso’s Club World Cup squad – a key factor behind his willingness to extend. Fortea is already training regularly with the senior squad and on Tuesday he put pen to paper on a fresh contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2029.

FORTEA’S JOURNEY AT REAL MADRID

Fortea signed for Real in 2022 after turning down terms from Atletico, breaking a so-called “non-agression pact” between the Madrid rivals regarding youth player recruitment. Fortea went on to thrive in the youth team setup and featured 14 times for Castilla last term. The talented full-back has also impressed in Europe where he has netted twice and recorded three assists in eight UEFA Youth League appearances.

Real Madrid are currently five points clear at the top of La Liga with just four matches of the season remaining. They also hold a 2-1 lead in their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City with the return leg to be played next week.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FORTEA?

With his future now secure, Fortea can now simply focus on winning a permanent place in the first team. Xabi Alonso wants him to be part of the senior setup on a regular basis and he will pursue the ultimate goal of succeeding Dani Carvajal. The club captain will turn 34 next year and is unlikely to maintain his consistency and fitness forever, while Ferland Mendy is not viewed as the long-term answer in position. Fortea still has plenty of work to do to achieve his ambitions but his coaches now believe he has the temperament and quality to succeed at Real.