Real Madrid do not count on two players, and rightfully so: David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Both are too injury-prone, thus unreliable, and not fit for a starting spot.
In fact, being fit for a starting spot is too generous a claim. If truth be told, they are not even fit to be considered the first-choice backups.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are keen on offloading both Alaba and Mendy, but neither of the two has shown the interest or intent to leave. Both defenders want to fight for a position.
David Alaba earns far too much to be sitting on the bench like that. Madrid even offered him a lucrative deal to leave this summer, but that too was rejected. Supposedly, the Austrian wants to mend things and see out his contract until 2026.
Ferland Mendy, on the other hand, seems to have some grand ideas about his capabilities. According to ther report by Mario Cortegana, voices from Mendy’s camp indicate that he is not afraid of competition and believe the Frenchman can be a better option at left-back than Fran Garcia, if he stays injury-free.
Fans are puzzled as to why two Real Madrid stars refuse to leave
If we are being practical, there seems to be little chance of either of them finding redemption. It is evident that the club has moved past them, and they are no longer being counted on.
Alaba is way down the pecking order, below Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao. He keeps getting injured, and the salary he draws is a major burden on Madrid with no returns.
And while it is fine that Mendy believes he can be a better option than Fran Garcia, I don’t know how that is possible. Garcia is clearly the superior player on the wing, and Xabi Alonso values that highly.
He wants full-backs who make overlapping runs and actively contribute to the attack alongside the wingers. Ferland Mendy cannot do that, certainly not better than Garcia.
It would be better for both players to realize they are no longer needed and to find a new club this summer, because it is only going to be harder to find one next time.