One of the big questions heading into the 2024/25 season for Real Madrid has been regarding their plan for the left-back position.
For much of the last few months, Bayern Munich speedster Alphonso Davies has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
It cast aspersions over the futures of Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia but things have now changed.
Davies is unlikely to arrive this summer with Real Madrid likely to sign him for free in 2025 while Mendy is set to renew his contract.
What about Fran Garcia?
Now, AS has come forward with an update on the situation of Fran Garcia and his immediate future at Real Madrid.
According to the report, Villarreal recently approached Real Madrid to explore the possibility of signing Fran Garcia in the current transfer window.
The Yellow Submarines are on the lookout for a new left-back and manager Marcelino is understood to be an admirer of the 24-year-old Spanish international.
But Real Madrid turned down the approach from Villarreal as they do not plan on selling the left-back this summer.
The plan is for Mendy and Garcia to man the left-back position again in the coming season much like the last campaign, with Davies now expected to arrive in 2025.
As such, selling Garcia now would leave Real Madrid with Mendy as the only natural left-back in the squad, which is why the enquiry from Villarreal was knocked back.
Garcia returned to Real Madrid last year from Rayo Vallecano, with the Merengues activating a €5 million buyback option for the 24-year-old.
While he did play regularly in the early parts of the campaign, Mendy’s solid form meant that his minutes ended up being limited. He played 31 games in all competitions, finishing with a goal and six assists.