Gonzalo Garcia could have left Real Madrid if not for major transfer decision

Gonzalo Garcia has become the talk of the town after hitting a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 5-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday. The Spanish striker put in a stellar performance to ensure Xabi Alonso's men started 2026 with a bang.

The 21-year-old has waited in the wings after catching the eye at the FIFA Club World Cup. He was given just his second start of the La Liga campaign yesterday as Kylian Mbappe's replacement.

It appears that Garcia wanted more game time amid playing backup to Mbappe. He claimed after the game that he fully understood being behind the Frenchman but a Spanish journalist claims that might not have been the case.

Garcia would have left if not for Endrick's exit

Madrid had a huge decision to make when the January transfer window opened and it concerned Endrick. The Brazilian wonderkid had failed to reach expectations since arriving at the Bernabeu and grew frustrated with a lack of opportunities under Alonso.

The Spanish giants decided to allow the 19-year-old to join French outfit Lyon on loan until the end of the season. This seems to have played a key role in Garcia staying put.

Tiempo de Juego director Paco Gonzalez claims Garcia's entourage were ready to push for a departure if not for Endrick leaving. He said (via COPE):

" From the club's strategic point of view, I think they would have kept Endrick, and it was Xabi Alonso who decided to keep him. Well, he was making that decision based on the few minutes he gave him and the nonexistent minutes he gave Endrick, but according to a friend who spoke with people close to Gonzalo today, if Endrick hadn't left, they would have asked to leave because the lad has been very level-headed, going from being almost a starter in the summer, after being the best player at the World Cup, to not playing at all, and without losing patience or enthusiasm ."

Garcia impressed at the Club World Cup, posting four goals and one assist in six games. But he came into the new season as second option to Mbappe and perhaps further down the pecking order when Endrick was available.

Alonso put his faith in the Spain U21 international in Mbappe's absence and he more than delivered. You'd expect to see him leading the line against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup if his French teammate isn't fit for the game.

Perez views Garcia 'untouchable'

Garcia's hat-trick has the world talking about Madrid's next big thing and what's even more exciting is that he's a product of the club's esteemed academy. There are already comparisons being made with Raul who is one of the greatest number nines in Los Blancos history.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the club's president Florentino Perez considers the Spaniard as 'untouchable.' He's 'very proud' to watch an academy talent shining in the first team.

That speaks volumes of just how highly-rated the youngster is and the expectations that he'll become a key player at the Bernabeu.