Mansion Sports – Real Madrid has shifted its transfer market focus toward offloading players after successfully securing four new signings to bolster Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the 2025–2026 season. 

The arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras signal a broader strategy of squad recalibration, aiming to maintain balance between incoming and outgoing players. One area expected to undergo significant adjustment is the left-back position.

Alvaro Carreras Increases Competition at Left-Back

With the addition of Alvaro Carreras, Real Madrid now has three senior left-backs in its first-team roster. The position was previously occupied by Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy. 

This increased depth has forced the club's management to assess which players to retain and which to release in order to maintain a streamlined squad.

Fran Garcia had recently attracted considerable interest from various clubs, most notably AC Milan, which had shown serious intent in recent weeks. 

However, Real Madrid has made it clear that they are not open to parting ways with the 24-year-old defender at this time.

Also Read: “AC Milan Eyes Fran Garcia as a Potential Replacement for Theo Hernandez”

Fran Garcia Remains in Xabi Alonso’s Plans

Reports indicate that Real Madrid wishes to retain Fran Garcia as a reliable backup option to the newly signed Alvaro Carreras. 

Garcia himself is said to be committed to staying at the Santiago Bernabéu, expressing a strong desire to fight for his place in the squad.

Despite delivering a somewhat underwhelming performance during the 2024–2025 season, Garcia is determined to prove his worth and earn a more prominent role in the team. 

Head coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly willing to provide him with a second chance and is prepared to include him in his developmental plans for the upcoming season.

Ferland Mendy Emerges as the Likely Departure

Real Madrid’s decision to keep Fran Garcia strongly suggests that Ferland Mendy is the most likely candidate to leave. 

Although the French full-back signed a new three-year contract just a few months ago, he is no longer considered part of the club’s long-term strategy.

The club is now exploring ways to offload Mendy during the current summer transfer window. Several Ligue 1 clubs have expressed preliminary interest, though the process of finalizing a sale is expected to be complex due to the player’s age and relatively high salary demands.

Squad Efficiency Takes Priority Ahead of Transfer Window Closure

Maintaining three left-backs in the senior squad is considered impractical by Real Madrid, especially with the possibility of one or two additional arrivals before the transfer window closes in early September. 

As a result, the club views the potential departure of Mendy as a strategic move—both to optimize squad structure and to create financial flexibility for further acquisitions.

With the transfer window gradually winding down, Real Madrid is focused on completing its squad overhaul to ensure it enters the 2025–2026 season in optimal condition—both competitively and economically.