Football BaBe
Ferland Mendy Vows to Battle for Real Madrid Left-Back Role Under Xabi Alonso
In a bold display of resilience amid mounting competition and injury setbacks, Ferland Mendy is gearing up to reclaim his spot in Real Madrid‘s lineup, proving that his fighting spirit remains undimmed as the club enters a new era under Xabi Alonso.
- Mendy determined to stay and fight for left-back spot
- 30-year-old will face competition from Carreras and Garcia
- Frenchman under contract at Real Madrid until 2028
Ferland Mendy’s Resolve to Secure Starting Position at Real Madrid
Reports from trusted sources like Marca indicate that the talented French defender has no intention of leaving the iconic Santiago Bernabeu during this transfer window. Instead, he’s ready to compete fiercely for a regular role in the first team as Xabi Alonso takes the helm. Following a surgical procedure in April to address a tear in his right quadriceps muscle, the 30-year-old has been sidelined since appearing in the Copa del Rey final.
Journey and Challenges in Mendy’s Real Madrid Career
Since transferring from Lyon to Real Madrid in 2019 for a fee of around €48 million (equivalent to £41m or $52m), Mendy has become a key figure, even renewing his deal last year to stay until 2027. Yet, persistent fitness issues have hampered his progress. In the previous La Liga campaign, he only managed to start 12 matches and netted a single goal. The recent €50m (£43m/$58m) acquisition of Alvaro Carreras is likely to push him further down the depth chart under the new management.
To add to the intensity, Mendy must contend with rising star Fran Garcia, who shone brightly during the Club World Cup. At 25, Garcia logged full minutes in every game up to the semi-final loss against PSG, showcasing his potential as a reliable option.
Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles and Shift Under Xabi Alonso
The 2024-25 season proved challenging for Real Madrid, ending without silverware despite the high-profile signing of Kylian Mbappe. Eliminations came early in the Champions League quarter-finals, while they trailed Barcelona in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Now, with Alonso at the forefront, the focus is on building robust squad options and fostering rivalry in all areas, particularly at left-back. Recent updates show Real Madrid bolstering their defense further, with emerging talents like 20-year-old prospect Raul Asencio gaining attention in youth setups, potentially adding more layers to the competition by 2025.
Mendy’s Upcoming Return and Pre-Season Outlook
Currently enjoying some downtime, Mendy is slated to rejoin the squad at the Bernabeu on August 4 for the kickoff of pre-season preparations. Interestingly, this marks a departure from tradition, as Real Madrid won’t schedule any friendly games before La Liga begins. Their season opener is set for August 19, hosting Osasuna, providing an immediate test for players like Mendy to prove their worth in Alonso’s revamped strategy.
