Real Madrid 17-year-old prodigy set for first-team promotion with Ancelotti’s blessings | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made his first significant move to reinforce the right-back position following Dani Carvajal’s injury by promoting Jesus Fortea to the first team, reports MARCA.

The 17-year-old right-back is currently in his second year with La Fabrica and has been playing under Álvaro Arbeloa in the Juvenil A setup.

After recently returning from injury, Fortea had been called to train with the senior team by Ancelotti. And, following two sessions and backed by glowing internal reports, the Italian manager has decided to integrate him into the first team immediately.

The decision is definitive: he will not return to the youth ranks and becomes a full member of the senior squad.

Ancelotti’s Vision

As per the report, Ancelotti’s plan is for Fortea to gradually adapt to first-team dynamics and begin featuring in matchday squads. The Italian is convinced he is the academy’s standout full-back and will soon be ready for first-team minutes.

While Fortea will not be the first or second choice for the right-back position, Ancelotti sees him as a viable option when Lucas Vazquez needs rest, particularly given the thin defensive resources currently available.

Ancelotti has been won over by Jesus Fortea. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Fortea has been on Ancelotti’s radar for some time, becoming the primary option following Carvajal’s injury. He trained with the first team before El Clasico last Friday and has been working with the senior squad since the week began.

The youngster’s absence from the Juvenil A side’s squad for the postponed match against Rayo Vallecano clearly signals Ancelotti’s intentions to keep him with the first team indefinitely.

Remarkable Progression

Fortea’s promotion represents an exceptional trajectory rarely seen at Real Madrid. The 17-year-old jumps from playing in the UEFA Youth League directly to the first team, having made just one appearance for Real Madrid C and none for Castilla.

Club insiders describe him as a “special” talent and secured Fortea’s future with a strategic contract renewal, just 18 months after signing him from Atletico Madrid, anticipating him as a potential successor to academy graduate Carvajal.

Fortea’s integration follows the same path planned for another young defender, Joan Martinez, last summer before he suffered an ACL injury.

Fortea has made a similar impression in training sessions, prompting Ancelotti’s decision to promote him.