Chema Andrés will cost Real Madrid dearly. – The midfielder who was developed in Real Madrid’s academy is becoming one of the big sensations in the Premier League.
Although the details are different for Chema Andrés, they are reminiscent of Real Madrid’s attitude towards Martin Ødegaard before the sale to Arsenal. The Norwegian midfielder, who is now captain both for Norway and for Arsenal, was for a full six seasons. At first, naturally, but then his success at Arsenal became proof that Real Madrid had taken it too far. – A sale of 35 million euros in 2021 for a player who at the top was worth 110 million euros is not good planning.
Brighton went into the international break in 3rd place in the Premier League.
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The latest news from Real Madrid suggests that the signing of Chema Andrés is no longer an option for Los Blancos following his €23 million transfer to Brighton on September 1. The White club received €11.5 million to keep 50 percent of his rights, but will now have to negotiate like any other team should they want to bring the 21-year-old midfielder back.
The scenario has taken on greater significance due to Andrés’ start in the Premier League. The former Real Madrid academy player scored his first goal against Arsenal in Brighton’s 3-0 win and is becoming a profile just weeks after arriving in England.
Chema Andrés is no longer under Real Madrid’s control
Real Madrid transferred Andrés to Stuttgart in 2025 for €3 million for 50 percent of his rights. The midfielder had only played 37 official minutes with the first team before leaving La Liga to test himself in the Bundesliga.
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The operation was financially profitable. Stuttgart sold the player to Brighton for 23 million, which meant that Madrid received an additional 11.5 million euros for the remaining percentage. In total, the white club earned 14.5 million euros from their academy player.
The problem arises if Madrid decide to try to bring him back. According to SPORT, the second transfer eliminated that control over his future, and Andrés now belongs to Brighton, with whom he signed a five-year contract until 2031. The English club will have the final say in any future bid.
Brighton paid 23 million after one season in Germany
Chema Andrés’ development accelerated during his only full season in Germany. Stuttgart confirms that he played 39 official games, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the Bundesliga, cup and Europa League in the 2025/26 season.
His performances allowed Stuttgart to multiply the investment they had made just a year earlier. They had paid €3 million for half of his rights and ended up accepting his English departure in a deal valued at €23 million.
The move to the Premier League has not stopped his progress. Andrés started against Arsenal on September 19 and headed in Brighton’s third goal in the 57th minute. Fabian Hürzeler’s team won 3-0 and finished the fifth league round in third place with 10 points.
The midfielder is 1.90 meters tall, which he also takes advantage of in set-piece situations. His first Premier League goal came from a corner against the reigning English champions.
The price of Chema Andrés could be a problem
The contract situation completely changes any possible return. Andrés arrived at Brighton for 23 million euros and has a contract until 2031, so Real Madrid no longer have a purchase option that would unilaterally set the terms of his return.
The player himself is not currently considering a return to LaLiga. In his recent statements, he admitted that a return to Madrid would be an honour, but made it clear that his focus is on establishing himself in England after joining Brighton this summer.
His upcoming season will be crucial in determining his new value. With his 21 years, a contract until 2031 and an immediate impact in the Premier League, Brighton have a very different negotiating position than Stuttgart had a year ago. If Real Madrid decide to bring Chema Andrés back one day, they will have to sit down to negotiate a new transfer without the contract control they had until this summer.
Just like with Martin Ødegaard, the bosses at the Santiago Bernabeu have started to regret letting go of Chema Andrés.
