Real Madrid are reportedly interested in re-signing former academy prospect Fran Garcia, who has been impressing with Rayo Vallecano.
According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid are considering bringing back former La Fabrica prospect Fran Garcia from fellow La Liga club Rayo Vallecano in 2022.
Garcia made the switch to Real Madrid’s youth setup in 2013 from the Bolanos academy and rose through the ranks at La Fabrica. The 22-year-old went on to make 59 appearances for the club’s Castilla outfit, in which he scored one goal and set up three more. He also featured once for the first-team, in a Copa del Rey clash in 2018 against UD Melilla.
Garcia left Real Madrid for Rayo Vallecano on loan in the summer of 2020. The left-back, who can also play up ahead in an attacking position on the flank, played a key role in helping Rayo earn a promotion back to La Liga, following which they triggered an option to make his transfer permanent.
As per the terms of the agreement, Rayo Vallecano paid €2 million to Real Madrid for the ownership of 50% of Garcia’s rights, meaning that Los Blancos still own half of the versatile defender’s rights. And thus, they could sign the 22-year-old for half the fee should they decide to firm up their interest in him.
As things stand, Real Madrid have three left-backs in the form of Marcelo, Ferland Mendy and Miguel Gutierrez, while Nacho can also fill in the position. However, there are serious question marks over the future of Marcelo, who is being linked with a return to his homeland, Br azil. In addition, there have been reports of Carlo Ancelotti being willing to part ways with Ferland Mendy as well.
Should that come to materialise, Real Madrid will be in need of reinforcements in the left-back slot. And someone like Garcia, who has been highly impressive in his nine La Liga appearances this season can be a viable option to look at, more so considering that they own half the player’s rights.
The fact that he can play higher up the pitch would mean that the Rayo Vallecano ace would add depth in the attacking unit as well. There have been talks of Real Madrid looking to re-sign another former academy man in Sergio Reguilon. It remains to be seen who they decide to go after in the upcoming transfer windows.