Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will wrap up the signing of former defender in the next 24-48 hours – Romano
The past few weeks have been eye-opening for Real Madrid’s administration over the left-back situation. With Ferland Mendy’s injury, and David Alaba unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti was left with barely any options to deploy in the defensive position.
Thus, the arrival of a new left-back now assumes top priority. Come June, Real Madrid will be boosted by the services of Fran Garcia, and Fabrizio Romano brings key information regarding the same.
According to reports from the Italian journalist (h/t Madrid Xtra), Garcia’s move to Real Madrid will be a done deal in the next 24-48 hours. During that duration, the contract signing will also be completed.
Real Madrid reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano earlier this season after Bayer Leverkusen made an important economic effort to sign the full-back in January.
Having the right to first refusal, the Merengues made use of their weapon and re-routed his transfer to Madrid. However, his arrival is only possible in the summer because of restrictions from La Liga.
The 23-year-old has started all 21 of Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga games so far this season, assisting two goals in the process. Moreover, he averages 0.8 key passes per game and has overseen eight clean sheets.
Given Mendy’s poor form this term, especially in the attacking facet of the game, Garcia could find himself a regular starter next season. However, a lot depends on the youngster’s ability to perform under the spotlights at Real Madrid.
Until then, however, the manager will be forced to utilise the likes of David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga as cover for Mendy.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
M.E Leboko
February 16, 2023 at 6:05 pm
What is the use of hurriedly signing Carcia and leaves him at the club he is at whereas there was a need,and so urgent to do so.
There is something happening at Madrid which we are not aware of but all is set-up for Barcelona.