CHELSEA AND LIVERPOOL BATTLE FOR JACOBO RAMóN AS REAL MADRID CLAUSE LOOMS
Jacobo Ramón is a top target for Chelsea and Liverpool! Discover how Real Madrid’s buy-back clause complicates this €18m transfer.
The modern transfer market never really follows a straight line, and Jacobo Ramón’s story at Como shows just how long a club’s influence can hang around, even after a player leaves. Caught Offside reports that the 21-year-old centre back has become one of the most-watched defenders this winter. Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping close tabs, but everyone knows Real Madrid still holds the real power.
When Ramón left Madrid for Como last summer, most people saw it as a chance for him to grow, get some games, take on some responsibility, and find his feet away from the Bernabeu. Instead, he’s blown up faster than anyone expected. He didn’t just settle in—he’s become a regular starter, standing out for his calm on the ball, smart positioning, and the kind of technical quality that works just about anywhere.
Premier League clubs are circling. Since December, agents say Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool have all been tracking Ramón. Newcastle, Brighton, and Crystal Palace have sent scouts to watch him up close. It’s obvious what they see: even at 21, he looks comfortable running a defence, stepping into midfield, and sniffing out danger before it happens.
Chelsea likes him as a long-term project—he fits their whole youth-first approach. Liverpool’s interest is more about style. Ramón is quick, calm, and good under pressure, perfect for a system that needs defenders who can handle wide-open spaces and push the line up.
But any move comes with a web of complications. Ramón’s under contract at Como until 2030, and Madrid made sure they didn’t really let go. They put in an €8 million buy-back clause and a 50 per cent sell-on clause. So Madrid can either bring him back for cheap or cash in if he moves somewhere else.
His market value sits around €18 million, but for Premier League clubs, that number could climb fast. Madrid can buy him back and flip him right away, and Como will want a fee that reflects both his performances and potential.
So, the real question isn’t who wants him—it’s what Madrid wants to do. If they think Ramón’s ready, they can bring him back now. If not, they still get half the fee from any other club.
For Chelsea and Liverpool, that means waiting. He’s a tempting option for January, but Madrid’s control makes this more of a long-term chess game.
From Chelsea’s side, Ramón looks like exactly the kind of defender they like—young, skilled, and adaptable. Fans will be excited about the idea of getting ahead of the pack, not waiting until he’s a star in England. But there’s a catch. With so many young defenders already at the club, supporters might wonder if there’s a real plan for him—or if he’s just another asset, brought in because the opportunity was there.
Liverpool fans see things differently. They value defenders who think fast and play forward, and Ramón ticks those boxes. They trust the recruitment team not to overpay, especially with Madrid lurking in the background. Most fans get that this is probably one to watch, not one to force. If Liverpool goes for him, they’ll want it to be a smart, strategic move—not a rushed January deal dictated by messy clauses and outside pressure.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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