Cristiano Ronaldo ‘demands’ Real Madrid signing

Robin Bairner

Updated: 12 Apr 2026 09:02 BST
4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid — © IMAGO

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo wants to raid former club Real Madrid for one of their biggest prospects – but not for his Saudi Pro League side.

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Ronaldo recently bought a stake in La Liga 2 side Almeria, with the Portugal legend intent on making his new club a force in Spain’s top-flight. Indeed, it has even been claimed that 'everything points' to them being CR7's next, and potentially final, club.

Lying second in the second-tier with eight matches to play, Almeria stand a strong chance of promotion. If that is achieved, the squad will need strengthening, and Ronaldo is set to look to his former employers for a promising youngster.

Ronaldo sets his sights on Palacios

Ronaldo is set to “demand” the signing of Castilla player Cesar Palacios, according to Fichajes.

Palacios has been one of the brightest gems for Los Blancos’ academy side this season, returning 13 goals and three assists from an attacking midfield role for a team that plays in the third tier. He has also played three times for the first team this season.

Almeria are said to have taken this advice “very positively”, having been left impressed that Ronaldo is “so directly involved” in the fortunes of the club.

But Almeria are not alone in tracking Palacios, with several clubs following the 21-year-old.

© SciSports - Cesar Palacios, Real Madrid Castilla Stats, 2025/26

Real Madrid have options

Real Madrid have not decided how they will deal with the rising star’s future yet. One possibility is that they loan him out for experience outside of the reserve team environment.

While selling Palacios is also a possibility, the likelihood is that Los Blancos will want to retain some control over his future. This is an increasing trend for major clubs, with the example of Nico Paz a standout in terms of how well it can work out for them.

In the case of Paz, he was sold to Como cheap, but Real Madrid retained a buy-back clause and a huge economic interest in the player. He exploded in Serie A and is now expected to make his way back to the Bernabeu in the summer.

Almeria’s minds made up

As for Ronaldo at Almeria, the Portuguese is said to be targeting young and exciting technical players. He also wants those who are hungry and have a high ceiling.

Palacios ticks both boxes, with Almeria and Ronaldo apparently intent on swooping for one of Real Madrid’s brightest young prospects.

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