Real Madrid will reportedly choose between two players to act as Kylian Mbappe’s understudy next season – and the decision could lead to one of them leaving the club.
Mbappe is Xabi Alonso’s undisputed No 9 but after he missed part of the Club World Cup following treatment in hospital for gastroenteritis, youngster Gonzalo Garcia was drafted in and impressed, scoring four goals in six matches.
It appears to be a straight shootout between Garcia and fellow wonderkid Endrick for the role of back-up and according to AS, Real, aware they need crucial minutes next season, would prefer not to keep both players and risk hindering their development.
That is likely to see one of them pushed out in the coming weeks, despite them wanting to stay and remain part of Alonso’s first team in his first campaign in charge.
Brazilian sensation Endrick has even told Real via his entourage that he is not considering leaving, even for a temporary move away, despite the club’s wishes.
Garcia, on the other hand, demonstrated he is also ready for the senior team after taking home the Golden Boot at the Club World Cup. His eye-catching displays also placed him on the radar of three top Premier League clubs, AS claim.
Real Madrid will reportedly choose between two players to be Kylian Mbappe’s understudy
Xabi Alonso wants to work with two strikers and avoid hindering the progress of youngsters
Gonzalo Garcia has deputised for Mbappe and scored four goals at the Club World Cup
The frontman’s preference is to stay at the Bernabeu and negotiations are underway over a new contract which would see him rewarded with a significant pay rise.
He has two years left on his current deal, which contains a £43million release clause.
Real splashed out €72m (£62.7m) to sign Endrick in 2022 when he was aged just 16, and he joined up with his new team-mates last summer after turning 18.
The teenager went on to play only 847 minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, despite scoring five goals in six Copa del Rey matches. He netted seven goals in all competitions.
Alonso initially requested another experienced back-up striker, in the mould of Joselu, to act as Mbappe’s understudy, but then decided Garcia was best placed to take on this role after watching his impressive performances this summer.
He praised Garcia after his side’s 3-0 win over RB Salzburg in the Club World Cup group stage, saying: ‘I’m not just happy with his goal and assist, but also with how he came back to help in defence and his effort in pressing. He had freedom in attack.
‘Many players left the pitch feeling good.
‘I’m really happy for him and the whole team, but we know the journey is still long.’
Negotiations are underway over a new contract – and a pay rise – for Garcia (right)
Endrick has informed the club through his representatives that he does not want to leave
‘What he’s doing doesn’t surprise me at all,’ Alonso added. ‘He’s shown it many times with Castilla. He’s a classic No 9 who waits for the right moment and moves smartly. He reminds me of Raul with his movements. I’m very happy for him.
‘But there are no decisions yet about next season.’
