Real Madrid News
Spain manager includes Real Madrid forward in World Cup training plans
Real Madrid may not have any direct representation in Spain’s final World Cup squad, but one young talent from the club has still managed to attract the attention of Luis de la Fuente.
That player is Gonzalo Garcia.
According to SPORT, the young forward has been selected as one of Spain’s support players during the national team’s initial World Cup preparation phase.
While he will not officially travel with the final squad to the tournament, the decision is still viewed as an important signal regarding how highly he is rated within the Spanish setup.
Spain’s coaching staff want Gonzalo to participate in training sessions during the opening stages of the camp before the team departs for the tournament.
A disappointing time for Real Madrid
For Real Madrid, the call-up arrives during what has otherwise been a disappointing international selection process.
Several Madrid-linked names, including Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras and Raul Asencio, had all appeared among the provisional candidates at different stages.
Yet none of them ultimately made Spain’s final World Cup squad.
The absence of Huijsen has especially generated surprise in Spain given that the defender had previously been viewed as an important figure in De la Fuente’s plans.
Gonzalo Garcia earns recognition
Although Gonzalo Garcia will not officially participate in the World Cup itself, his inclusion within the support group remains highly significant.
Alongside Gonzalo, the support squad will include Marc Bernal from Barcelona, Javi Rodriguez (Celta), Jesus Rodriguez (Como), Leo Roman (Mallorca), Benat Turrientes, Jon Martin and Sergio Gomez (Real Sociedad).
The selected group will help complete training sessions during the first stage of Spain’s preparation camp ahead of the national team’s World Cup opener against Iraq on June 4.
Importantly, these support players are not part of Spain’s official preliminary 55-man World Cup list, which means they would not be eligible to join the tournament later even if injuries occur during the competition.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
