From the very beginning, it has been believed that Real Madrid would not make any additions in the January transfer window. The club have stuck to that till now as well, despite a sluggish run of form after the World Cup break. Situations dictate actions though, and it looks like Los Blancos have had to change their mind, and are now closing in on their first signing of the month.
The full-back areas remain a problem for Real Madrid, particularly left-back, where Ferland Mendy seems to be the only choice. David Alaba fills in for the Frenchman at times, but the Austrian is already a starter at centre-back.
Thus, Real Madrid definitely needed to strengthen their options at left-back sooner or later. Fran Garcia is someone who had been linked with the club for a while, after impressing at Rayo Vallecano. A move was expected in the summer but now, it seems to have been preponed six months.
As reported by AS, Real Madrid are close to re-signing Garcia. He wouldn’t actually return to the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer, though. Los Blancos’ plan is to loan him back to Rayo Vallecano until June.
Real Madrid are ready to complete their first signing of January
Thus, Real Madrid would not technically be adding to their squad this month, even though they seem to be on the verge of getting a deal for Garcia over the line. The Spaniard came though the club’s youth academy but had left for Rayo Vallecano after failing to establish himself in the senior team.
There is believed to be a €10 million release clause in Garcia’s contract but Real Madrid have a 50% sell-on clause, which means that they can activate the clause by shelling out a €5 million transfer fee.
Garcia has been one of the best left-backs in La Liga in recent times and can provide great competition to Mendy from next season.