Real Madrid have agreed to sell Spanish forward Jacobo Ortega to French club RC Strasbourg Alsace for a 10 million euro fee.
The transfer hands Strasbourg 70 per cent of Ortega's rights and sets a record fee for a Real Madrid youth product who never made an official appearance for the first team.
Ortega leaves Valdebebas after an eight-year spell in the Real Madrid academy. He joined the club as a 12-year-old child in 2018 and completed eight full seasons in the youth ranks.
The striker was a key figure for Real Madrid's Juvenil A squad during their UEFA Youth League victory in the 2025-2026 season. In an official statement announcing the transfer, Real Madrid emphasized that Valdebebas would always be his home, thanking Ortega for his dedication and wishing him and his family success in his new stage.
Strasbourg transfer details
Strasbourg, operating under the orbit of the Chelsea club project directed by Xabi Alonso, paid the multi-million sum following Ortega's strong performances in the Youth League and for reserve side Real Madrid Castilla. French sports management selected the forward based on his growth potential and short-term performance.
The departure comes as Real Madrid rush to finalise their squad before the transfer window closes. The club's strategy focuses on securing exits for young talents who lack immediate first-team opportunities, generating significant income to facilitate future transfers.
Academy sales bring major income
Ortega's move is part of a broader series of academy departures that have placed several young players among the club's highest sales of the current window. Midfielder Nico Paz tops the list after Real Madrid yielded 50 per cent of his rights to Italian side Como for 60 million euros, while retaining an 80 million euro buyback option on the attacking midfielder.
Forward Gonzalo Garcia and winger Victor Munoz complete the top tier of academy sales from the same generation. Garcia joined English Premier League club Fulham in a 40 million euro deal for 70 per cent of his rights.
Munoz transferred to Liverpool for 40 million euros after an impressive season at Osasuna. The transfer fee is split equally between Osasuna and Real Madrid, with the deal resulting in Real Madrid losing control over the player's future in the transfer market.
Further departures generate millions
Cesar Palacios generated an additional 10 million euros for the Spanish club during the current transfer window. Defender Mario Gila completed a 15 million euro move to AC Milan, while striker Alvaro Rodriguez joined Bournemouth for 12.5 million euros.
Alex Jimenez was repurchased by Bournemouth for 12.5 million euros before being transferred to Italian club Fiorentina. The series of transactions demonstrates the club's active management of young academy talent across European football.
