Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering left-back exit due to Spanish defender’s signing
Ferland Mendy might be one of the most criticised Real Madrid players. However, it is evident that the team struggle without him for he is their only left-back option.
For all his shortcomings in the final third, the Frenchman has been reliable in defence and has come in handy to hold the fort. With Mendy out through back-to-back injuries, it is not surprising that the opposition are trying to exploit the weak link at left back.
Given that the former Lyon man is Los Blancos’ only natural left-back option, their decision to place him high on the transfer list is puzzling. Fabrizio Romano brings clarity on the subject and explains the same.
According to the Italian journalist, Fran Garcia’s signing from Rayo Vallecano earlier this season is one of the main reasons as to why Ferland Mendy’s situation at Real Madrid is open. The club trust in the former Castilla star and see him as a viable option to take over as the starting left-back next season.
Garcia has been a lethal weapon down Rayo Vallecano’s flank this season, starting all 32 of their La Liga games so far. He has scored two goals in that process and also provided three assists and averages 90 minutes per game.
Defensively, Garcia has overseen nine clean sheets while making 1.2 interceptions, two tackles, 1.2 clearances and four duels won per game.
The 23-year-old is clearly a bigger asset defensively than going forward. However, given that he is just 23 years old, there is enough time for him to hone his skills to Ancelotti’s liking.
Earlier this week, reports stated that Los Blancos were willing to sell Mendy if a good offer arrived and Nacho Fernandez renewed his deal. Developments are expected in the coming weeks as Mendy moves closer to an exit, especially given Camavinga and Nacho’s ability to cover for Garcia next season.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
