Report: Liverpool and Chelsea set to battle in the race to sign Serie A star

Premier League Eyes Turn to Como as Jacobo Ramón Interest Grows

The winter transfer window has a habit of elevating unfamiliar names into sudden prominence, and Jacobo Ramón is fast becoming one of them. As reported by Caught Offside, the 21 year old centre back has emerged as one of the most closely watched young defenders in Europe, drawing sustained interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, alongside Newcastle United, Brighton and Crystal Palace.

Ramón’s rise has been swift. Signed by Como from Real Madrid last summer, he has already established himself as a starter in Serie A, making 16 league appearances and anchoring a defence with a calm authority that belies his age. For clubs across England, the appeal is obvious. This is a defender who reads the game early, passes cleanly, and carries himself with a composure increasingly rare in young centre backs.

Chelsea and Liverpool Monitor Progress Closely

Caught Offside report that Chelsea and Liverpool have been tracking Ramón since December, with scouts impressed by both his technical quality and his temperament. Chelsea’s interest fits neatly into their longer term thinking, with the report stating, “Chelsea consider him a long-term investment who fits their youth-focused recruitment strategy and could develop into a future Premier League leader.”

At Liverpool, the attraction lies in stylistic compatibility. According to Caught Offside, “Liverpool admire his pace and composure, traits that match perfectly with their high-intensity, press-oriented defensive structure.” It is easy to see why. Ramón’s ability to defend space, step into midfield, and recover quickly aligns with the demands placed on defenders at the highest tempo.

Contract Clauses Complicate Any Deal

What separates this situation from a routine bidding contest are the contractual levers still held by Real Madrid. Ramón is tied to Como until 2030, yet Madrid retain an €8 million buy back clause and a 50 percent sell on clause. That structure ensures Madrid remain central to any conversation about his future.

Photo: IMAGO

Caught Offside note that although Ramón’s market value is estimated at around €18 million, the actual cost could rise sharply. Any Premier League club must satisfy Como’s valuation while accounting for Madrid’s financial interest, or risk Madrid simply triggering their buy back and reselling him themselves.

This layered control explains why negotiations are likely to be deliberate rather than rushed, even amid growing Premier League demand.

Decision Rests with Madrid

The report makes clear that “the decisive element this month will be Real Madrid’s stance.” If Madrid act, they can reacquire Ramón for €8 million and immediately offer him to the highest bidder. If they do not, Como remain in charge of talks, albeit with Madrid still entitled to half of any fee.

Either way, Ramón’s future looks unlikely to remain in Italy for long if his trajectory continues.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea fans will recognise Ramón’s profile instantly. Young, technically secure, high ceiling, and already operating in a top European league. Ramón fits the recruitment logic perfectly, and supporters may see him as a defender who could grow alongside the club rather than simply plug a short term gap.

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will focus on suitability. Ramón’s pace and composure speak directly to what is required at Anfield, particularly with an evolving defensive unit that values intelligence over physicality alone. The appeal lies in projection rather than immediate stardom.

Yet there is caution on both sides. The Real Madrid clauses change everything. Supporters will worry about inflated fees, buy back interference, and the risk of becoming part of Madrid’s profit cycle rather than securing long term control.

For both clubs, the question is strategic patience. Ramón looks worth the wait, but only if the deal makes sense beyond the headline talent.