Chema Andrés addresses Real Madrid return after Brighton breakthrough

Chema Andrés has made an immediate impact at Brighton following his €22 million (£19m) summer transfer, but the midfielder has already been asked whether a future return to Real Madrid could be part of his career.

The 21-year-old has become a regular under Fabian Hürzeler and scored against Arsenal as Brighton climbed to third in the Premier League table.

Speaking to COPE’s Tiempo de Juego, Chema admitted the size of Brighton’s investment brings responsibility, but views the transfer fee as evidence of the club’s faith in him.

“It’s a huge responsibility, but I’m also grateful for it, because the club you’re joining values you and believes they see potential in you,” he said.

Having already experienced football in Spain and Germany, Chema has quickly noticed the demands of the Premier League.

He described English football as more dynamic and physical than La Liga and the Bundesliga, while Hürzeler’s individual approach to player development has impressed him.

“He’s an incredible coach, obsessed with individual work for each player,” Chema said.

The midfielder appears comfortable with the footballing adjustment and revealed that winning possession is one aspect of his role he particularly enjoys.

“I really enjoy a good ball recovery, especially when it’s against a good player.”

Life away from the pitch has required some adaptation. Chema joked that driving on the left still requires enough concentration that he cannot yet listen to music while behind the wheel.

Chema developed in Real Madrid’s academy before moving to Stuttgart in 2025. Madrid retained 50% of his rights following that transfer, before receiving their share when Brighton subsequently signed him.

Asked whether he would like to represent Real Madrid again, Chema did not hide his long-term ambition.

“Hopefully I’ll return in the future, but right now I’m not thinking about that,” he said.

For Brighton, the second half of that answer is the more relevant part. Chema has only recently arrived and his focus remains on establishing himself in Hürzeler’s side.

He is currently with Spain’s Under-21 squad, although suspension rules him out of their opening match against San Marino. He is available to face Romania in Ibiza and was emphatic when discussing Spain’s qualification chances.

“I’d say 200%. We depend on ourselves.”

Chema will first turn his attention to Spain Under-21 duty. He is suspended for the match against San Marino but is available for the subsequent meeting with Romania in Ibiza.

After that, his focus returns to Brighton and maintaining the strong start that has already earned him a regular place under Hürzeler.

His comments about Real Madrid underline a long-term ambition rather than an immediate transfer issue. For now, Brighton have a 21-year-old midfielder adapting quickly to Premier League football after a significant summer investment, with his performances likely to determine how rapidly his profile continues to grow.