Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could put Carlo Ancelotti favourite up for sale next summer
Ferland Mendy’s future at Real Madrid is facing increasing uncertainty due to his ongoing struggles on the pitch, and recent reports suggest that the club might consider placing him on the market next summer, according to a report from Fichajes.
Despite being highly regarded by manager Carlo Ancelotti in the past, Mendy’s recent performances have raised doubts among both the coaching staff and the fans.
The French full-back, who has a contract until 2027, has failed to maintain the high standards that made him a key player in previous seasons.
His typically strong defensive performances have noticeably declined, and his struggles in important fixtures have attracted criticism.
In matches against top teams like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Lille, Mendy has struggled to keep up with his opponents, making errors that have cost the team valuable points.
Time is running out for Mendy
Adding to the pressure is the rise of Fran Garcia, a youth player who returned to the club last season. Garcia has been given increasing minutes in matches and is slowly becoming a reliable option for the left-back position.
Though he has not yet secured a starting spot, Ancelotti seems to be trusting him more in crucial games, which suggests that Mendy’s place in the team is under threat.
With this growing internal competition and Mendy’s inconsistent form, Real Madrid are reportedly weighing their options in the transfer market to strengthen the left-back position.
The club’s management may look to sell Mendy in the summer if his performances do not improve. While his defensive skills are still acknowledged, concerns about his physical condition and his recent drop in form have diminished his standing within the team.
If Mendy does not find his rhythm again soon, it appears that his time at the Santiago Bernabeu could be coming to an end, and he could be looking for a new club next summer.
Real Madrid’s recent win over Villarreal certainly had its tense and controversial moments, most of them involving Vinicius Jr.
But the biggest silver lining for Los Blancos was Yan Diomande scoring his first goal for the club following his €140 million move from RB Leipzig.
Diomande’s slow start had made him a subject of much criticism in the media. In the first game after the international break, however, the forward opened his account, and he used the moment to pay tribute to his sister, who died at the age of 15, reports MARCA.
Diomande’s tribute to his late sister
On the hour mark, Federico Valverde slipped him through and the Ivorian finished low across goal for the game’s only strike.
Once VAR confirmed it, he walked away from his celebrating teammates, closed his eyes and broke down in tears, his gaze fixed on the sky.
He later explained the emotion in his post-match interview. “This means more than words can say. My first goal is for you, sister. Forever in my heart.”
Roxane died in 2025 at just 15, having believed in her brother long before anyone else did. From the age of ten she had acted as his biggest champion, and ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Diomande shared their story in a letter published in The Players’ Tribune.
“Everything I do on the field is for you,” he wrote.
Staking a claim for more minutes
Diomande’s goal against Villarreal also carried a lot of weight, in terms of his standing in the team.
“I’d been waiting for that first goal for a long time,” Diomande admitted on Real Madrid TV. His display offered a glimpse of his value, with four successful dribbles, the pace to stretch Villarreal and the movement to create space for Kylian Mbappe.
With Vinicius facing a possible and lengthened domestic suspension, the 19-year-old has a timely chance to claim a more prominent role.
He is also relishing a first taste of the Champions League. “It’s every child’s dream, and I’m very grateful to be doing it with Real Madrid.”
So it will be interesting to see whether or not Diomande gets more chances to perform in the coming matches, before Real Madrid prepare for the big fight against Barcelona.
