Athletic Club set sights on 21-year-old Real Madrid academy gem – report

Cesar Palacios is on Athletic Club’s radar. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Now, Athletic have revived their interest in Palacios once again and are hoping to sign him, even though there is some debate about whether the 21-year-old starlet fits the club’s philosophy of signing only Basque players.

Real Madrid’s conditions

Real Madrid, for their part, could be open to Palacios’ departure, but will likely impose conditions on the transfer, like they do with most of the young academy talents being sold.

Indeed, the Merengues would likely push to retain 50% of the player’s economic rights while also having buyback clauses as well as first refusal options – as they have done with numerous youngsters such as Nico Paz, Victor Munoz, and Jacobo Ramon among others.

This could also be an issue for Athletic as they would not wish to give up control of the player’s future if they do end up signing him.

As per the report, Athletic are not alone in their interest. Several other clubs from Spain’s top division, as well as teams from Italy, Germany and Portugal, are monitoring the young talent.

Palacios himself believes he is ready to take on a significant role at top-flight level and understands that the best step for his future could be to leave Real Madrid in search of a club where he can gain regular playing time and begin to establish his professional career.