Football BaBe
Real Madrid’s Defensive Shake-Up: Prioritizing Fran Garcia Over Ferland Mendy
In a bold move signaling a shift in Real Madrid‘s defensive strategy, the club is set to offload experienced left-back Ferland Mendy while firmly retaining the promising Fran Garcia, despite interest from AC Milan. This decision highlights Madrid’s focus on youth and reliability, especially after Garcia’s standout performances in recent competitions.
Real Madrid Favors Garcia in Left-Back Battle Amid Key Performances
As reported by reliable sources, head coach Xabi Alonso has expressed a strong preference for keeping Fran Garcia, impressed by his dynamic displays during the Club World Cup and throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With the recent acquisition of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, Mendy finds himself demoted to a backup role, prompting the club to explore transfer options for the French defender.
- Coach Alonso prefers Garcia over Mendy
- Club impressed by former’s Club World Cup performances
- Madrid will look to part ways with Frenchman
Garcia’s Rise Under Ancelotti and Resistance to AC Milan Interest
During Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, the young Spanish defender Garcia seized opportunities created by Mendy’s recurring fitness issues, showcasing his potential on the pitch. Real Madrid’s stance solidified following inquiries from AC Milan, who eyed the 25-year-old based on endorsements from veteran star Luka Modric. In the previous season, Garcia featured in an impressive 54 matches, including 24 starts and seven substitute appearances in La Liga, underlining his growing influence.
Contract Commitments and Denials of Transfer Talks for Garcia
Garcia’s representative has firmly dismissed rumors of negotiations with Milan, emphasizing the player’s dedication to honoring his agreement with Real Madrid. The club activated a buy-back option to bring him from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, securing a contract that extends through 2027. This commitment reflects Madrid’s long-term vision for Garcia as a core part of their squad.
Challenges in Offloading Mendy as Real Madrid Seeks Buyers
Real Madrid remains receptive to proposals for Mendy, though they anticipate a prolonged process given the 30-year-old’s age and history of injuries. Recent updates indicate that in the 2024-25 season, Mendy has only managed limited appearances, with statistics showing a dip in his availability compared to emerging talents like Garcia and Carreras, who have contributed to the team’s defensive solidity in high-stakes games.
