Chelsea have been dealt a major transfer blow, with the Blues set to miss out on a centre-back who would have been an ideal addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad. The Blues’ need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly obvious after conceding 15 goals in their first eight Premier League games this season.

Maxence Lacroix’s hamstring injury has added to Alonso’s concerns, while Wesley Fofana endured a difficult evening against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The Frenchman gave away a penalty for a careless handball before missing his spot-kick in the shootout.

Como’s Jacobo Ramon would have been an exciting option to strengthen Chelsea’s defence, with the potential to improve the team both in and out of possession. However, Real Madrid have scuppered the Blues’ plans, as they are preparing to bring their former player back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid scupper Chelsea’s plans to sign Jacobo Ramon

Chelsea were among several clubs interested in signing Jacobo Ramon in January after the Spaniard’s impressive form under Cesc Fabregas at Como. The 21-year-old has established himself as a composed ball-playing centre-back who can also dominate defensively.

Ramon further enhanced his reputation with a goal in Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United last week. His performances have helped drive up his value, with Como reportedly placing a price tag of around £38 million on the defender.

However, Real Madrid hold a buyback clause that allows them to bring Ramon back for less than £8 million, having sold him to Como for just over £2 million in the summer of 2025. According to DAZN Espana’s Matteo Moretto, the Spanish giants have exercised that option, with the centre-back set to return to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2027.

That does not necessarily mean Ramon will feature in Madrid’s first-team plans, as they could decide to sell him on for a substantial profit. Chelsea may therefore have another opportunity to pursue him in the future, but their hopes of signing him in January appear to be over.