Chelsea face race to sign Mourinho’s Target before he becomes the next Saliba

Chelsea could face a major challenge in their pursuit of Como defender Jacobo Ramon, with the Spain Under-21 international continuing to impress in Serie A and Real Madrid retaining significant control over his future.

According to FootballTransfers on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Ramon’s rapid development has attracted growing interest across Europe. However, Chelsea’s hopes of signing him could depend heavily on what Real Madrid decide to do with their buy-back option.

Ramon joined Como from Real Madrid last year for just €2.5 million. The deal included a staggered buy-back clause, allowing the Spanish giants to bring him back during the next three summer transfer windows for a fee below what his market value could eventually become.

The cost of the clause increases each year, but Real Madrid still have a valuable opportunity to re-sign a defender whose progress has been impossible to ignore.

Real Madrid Could Complicate Chelsea’s Plans

Real Madrid reportedly considered activating the clause this summer but ultimately decided against it. New manager Jose Mourinho is said to have preferred experience as he looks to end the club’s trophy drought as quickly as possible.

That decision could become increasingly important for Chelsea, with expectations growing that Real Madrid may attempt to bring Ramon back next summer.

However, the situation involving Nico Paz shows that a buy-back clause does not automatically mean Real Madrid will use it.

The Spanish club had planned to re-sign Paz for €9 million this summer, but the midfielder preferred to remain at Como and continue his development. Rather than activate the clause, Real Madrid renegotiated their agreement with the Italian club.

Como eventually paid a club-record €60 million to keep Paz, while Real Madrid secured an option to re-sign him for €80 million in 2027. The Spanish giants also gave up their 50 per cent sell-on clause, allowing Como to retain the full proceeds if Paz is sold elsewhere.

A similar situation could develop with Ramon.

FIFA rules prevent clubs from immediately buying a player and selling him on for profit through what is known as a “bridge transfer”. That means Real Madrid cannot simply bring Ramon back and instantly transfer him to Chelsea.

Instead, they would have to decide whether to keep him, leave him at Como for another season or allow Como to sell him while giving up control over his future.

Why Chelsea Want Ramon

Chelsea are among the clubs that have monitored Ramon most closely. Arsenal also explored a possible move for him this summer while searching for defensive cover following William Saliba’s injury, although no deal was completed.

Ramon’s performances at Como have made it easy to understand the interest.

He started all but three of the Serie A matches he was available for last season and has played every possible minute so far this campaign. He also scored his first goal of the season against Parma at the weekend, with Paz providing the assist.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas has been particularly impressed by the defender’s progress.

“Dani Guindos had coached him as a child at Real Madrid,” Fabregas said.

“When we signed him, we knew everything about the player and the person, which is very important. He has certainly grown beyond our expectations.

“I thought he needed more time for everything, but from day one he has been playing very well, and I am very happy with him, with his attitude, his hunger and his desire to improve every day.”

Ramon’s development has also benefited from Como’s tactical adjustments. The arrival of Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund has allowed the young centre-back to operate with greater freedom.

Journalist Sabrina Uccello described Ramon as “charismatic” and noted that he has been able to expand his range of action because of his speed and intelligence.

The defender is increasingly involved in Como’s attacking play, moving into spaces behind the defence and using his technical ability to progress the ball. His willingness to engage opponents one-on-one has also made him difficult to bypass defensively.

“He never shies away from one-on-one duels and expands his range of movement, acting as a supporting full-back or centrally when needed, and even reaching the halfway line,” Uccello explained.

“This makes him an unpredictable element in Como’s attacking moves, which originate from deep, and at the same time a difficult defender to get past in his usual position.”

Data analytics company SciSports also rates Ramon as a player with significant potential, particularly given his ability to operate on the right side of central defence.

That could make him an attractive option for Chelsea, where he would complement left-sided defenders such as Levi Colwill and incoming youngster Honest Ahanor.

Chelsea Must Keep a Close Eye on the Situation

For Chelsea, the timing could prove crucial.

Ramon’s continued progress at Como is increasing his profile, while Real Madrid’s contractual control gives the Spanish club an important say in where his career goes next.

The longer the 21-year-old remains a regular starter and develops into one of Serie A’s notable young defenders, the more complicated Chelsea’s pursuit could become.

With Real Madrid potentially ready to make a move next summer, Chelsea may have to act decisively if they want to secure a defender who is beginning to attract comparisons with some of Europe’s top young centre-backs.