According to a report by Madrid Universal on Sunday October 25, 2026, Brighton & Hove Albion are adamant that Real Madrid do not have a buy-back clause for former academy midfielder Chema Andrés, despite growing speculation that the Spanish giants could attempt to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 21-year-old joined Brighton during the summer transfer window for a reported fee of €22 million and has impressed since moving to the Premier League. His performances have reportedly attracted attention from several top clubs, including his former employers, Real Madrid.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Brighton insist that no buy-back clause was included in the agreement that brought Andrés to England. The Seagulls are confident they have secured the midfielder's services without leaving Real Madrid with a straightforward contractual route to re-sign him.

The situation has attracted attention in Spain, where the relatively modest transfer fee has fuelled speculation that Madrid could still have an option to bring the youngster back to the club.

However, the report states that Real Madrid previously held a buy-back option on Andrés but chose not to activate it during the summer, allowing Brighton to complete the transfer.

Madrid were reportedly considering their options regarding young midfielder Thiago Pitarch at the time, but he remained at the club while Andrés was permitted to continue his development elsewhere.

The decision could prove significant if the former academy graduate continues to improve in England. Without a buy-back clause, Real Madrid would potentially have to negotiate directly with Brighton should they decide to pursue a reunion, giving the Premier League club greater control over any future transfer discussions.

Andrés' performances have also helped increase interest in his future. The midfielder has been praised for his composure and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, qualities that have drawn comparisons with established midfielders Rodri and Sergio Busquets.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Andrés has made it clear that he remains focused on his new challenge at Brighton. The youngster has also spoken openly about his affection for Real Madrid, the club where he developed before moving to England.

“For me, as I've always said, Madrid is the club that has given me everything, and for me it would be an honour to return,” Andrés said during the recent international break.

“But right now I'm not thinking about that because I've just arrived at Brighton and I feel great there, but that (returning to Madrid) is always a possibility.”

His comments suggest that a future return to the Bernabéu remains an ambition, although he is not currently pushing for a move away from Brighton.

For now, the midfielder is focused on establishing himself under manager Fabian Hürzeler and making the most of his opportunity in English football.

Brighton will be keen to retain a player they believe can become an important part of their long-term plans, particularly if his performances continue to attract attention from Europe's biggest clubs.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, could face a more complicated task if they eventually decide to re-sign their former academy graduate. With Brighton reportedly insisting that no buy-back clause exists, any potential deal may require fresh negotiations and a transfer fee determined by the midfielder's development and market value.