Real Madrid Lock Down Club World Cup Sensation with Decisive Contract Move

Gonzalo García will remain at Real Madrid and secure his place as a permanent member of the senior squad, after impressing club officials during his FIFA Club World Cup displays.

Gonzalo concluded the tournament as co-leading goalscorer with four strikes, seizing the unexpected chance that arose when Kylian Mbappé fell ill during the group phase.

The future path for the 21-year-old striker remained uncertain following the competition's conclusion, as Real required cover for Mbappé while also having Endrick available and potentially looking to profit from Gonzalo's sale.

With the upcoming La Liga campaign approaching this month, MARCA reports that the verdict has been reached and Gonzalo is "now a permanent first team player". He has earned promotion from Real Madrid Castilla and will take up one of the precious 25 positions in the senior squad.

Both the club and player harbored uncertainty after the Club World Cup regarding what type of involvement he might expect. However, Xabi Alonso's confidence in Gonzalo has proven crucial to his retention, with the choice described as "definitive", despite nearly a month remaining in the transfer period.

Getafe numbered among the teams that made inquiries about Gonzalo during the summer window, now withdrawing and acknowledging that he won't be departing the Santiago Bernabéu.

Although Endrick is also expected to remain, all indications suggest Gonzalo will receive Madrid's No. 9 jersey recently left vacant by Mbappé. He lacked a senior team number during the Club World Cup—all first team squad members in Spain wear 1–25—but will require one now.

The players themselves, not the club or coaching staff, determine shirt number allocations amongst the group, and only Endrick making a competing request for the No. 9 would prevent Gonzalo from obtaining it. Importantly, the Brazilian youngster isn't anticipated to seek a change from his current No. 16.