Luka Modric strongly lobbied for Fran Garcia with AC Milan higher-ups, but it seems the Spanish left-back is set to remain at Real Madrid, latest reports showed.
🏋️♂️ @ferland_mendy 🏋️♂️ pic.twitter.com/OIkBboDcbI
— レアル・マドリード C.F.🇯🇵 (@realmadridjapan) September 8, 2021
Following the arrival of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, the 25-year-old's chance of making regular starts for the club diminished, but Xabi Alonso wants to keep him for another year, probably as a backup option. His agent, Ginés Carvajal, who spoke to Spanish media outlet AS, reportedly said that the player wished to remain at Real Madrid and had never negotiated with AC Milan.
Real Madrid paid the €50 million (£42 million) release clause for Carreras. The fee is reportedly being paid in instalments.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, academy graduate Garcia played 54 matches in all last season and was convincing. Interestingly, Carlo preferred Frenchman Ferland Mendy over Garcia, but the former's injury issues resulted in him getting ample opportunities. Under Alonso, Garcia produced a strong FIFA Club World Cup performance before a disastrous semi-final exit against PSG.
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This seals the fate of Mendy, whose current contract in the Spanish capital is valid until June 30, 2028. The Frenchman, who earns around £8,752,800 annually, is largely unused by the new gaffer, alongside his countryman Camavinga. Mendy's market value is reported to be £11 million, and there are chances that he might not play another competitive game for the club. Meanwhile, García's current salary is said to be £4,376,400 per year.