Real Madrid's Blockbuster Signing Puts Club in Impossible Position
Real Madrid are said to be considering offloading either Ferland Mendy or Fran García following Álvaro Carreras's commitment to a lengthy contract with the club.
As their third summer acquisition aimed at strengthening a vulnerable defense, Real Madrid activated Carreras's €50 million ($58.42 million) buyout clause and brought the ex-Benfica defender to Madrid. The 22-year-old penned a six-year agreement with Los Blancos, securing his position at the world's premier club until June 30, 2031.
Carreras's signing creates a challenging situation for Real Madrid. The team now possesses three senior left-backs, opening possibilities for either Mendy or García to depart.
AS suggests Mendy has a "higher likelihood of departing" Real Madrid compared to García. The club would "contemplate" transferring the 30-year-old for €14 million ($16.2 million), considering his age and injury proneness.
However, selling García remains a possibility. Los Blancos reportedly think they could secure €25 million ($28.9 million) for the defender following his impressive displays during this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
The choice will depend on whether Real Madrid prioritize future potential or immediate success. Retaining Mendy provides the club with a dependable, championship-winning presence on the left side. The French player contributed to Los Blancos capturing two Champions League and three La Liga championships, plus six additional honors.
The club also understands Mendy's limitations well. The defender will probably face injury spells regularly, and he offers limited offensive contribution. The France representative has managed just six goals and nine assists across 201 Real Madrid appearances.
García represents the opposite of Mendy's profile. The 25-year-old is a youthful, forward-thinking fullback who excels when given complete attacking liberty on the left. During six matches under Alonso in America, García contributed one goal and one assist operating as a wing-back.
The Spanish player has defensive weaknesses, however, and has found it difficult against elite European competition. A recent instance occurred during Real Madrid's Club World Cup semifinal against PSG, where Achraf Hakimi and Désiré Doué dominated him.
Real Madrid's choice might simply depend on Alonso's preferred tactical approach. If the former Bayer Leverkusen manager continues with three center-backs, García becomes the logical selection; Mendy wouldn't excel as a left wing-back.
It will be fascinating to observe Real Madrid's direction now that they have acquired a promising new left-back. If Carreras performs well, both Mendy and García might find themselves competing merely for substitute positions.