Real Madrid is making a statement with its new striker. Gonzalo García, a youth academy player who seemed like just another prospect, has changed his path and already has the full backing of the club.
The sporting management, led by Xabi Alonso, fully trust him, and they've made a surprising move with his release clause. Here I tell you everything you need to know.
Gonzalo García, Xabi Alonso's bet
Since Xabi Alonso took charge of the first team, he has made it clear that he wants to bet on the youth academy. Gonzalo García is the perfect example. After a spectacular season with Castilla, where he scored no less than 25 goals, the young striker received the opportunity that many had been waiting for.
The Club World Cup was the ultimate test; there, Gonzalo not only participated, but shined, winning the tournament's Golden Boot. This opened the doors to the first team and secured him a contract until 2030. A great show of trust, with the clause raised to 1 billion (1,000 million) euros, something unexpected for a player just out of the reserves.
An unexpected turn in his career
Gonzalo García's career seemed set to be the typical one of a footballer looking for minutes in LaLiga with mid-table teams. In fact, he had gone on loan to Mallorca, where he kept growing, but without making the definitive leap.
However, the trust Xabi Alonso has given him has been key. Before the Club World Cup, he played five matches with the first team and scored in the Copa del Rey against Leganés.
Now, with his new contract and the number "9" left by Kylian Mbappé, the story could be very different. That number is a symbol of goals, responsibility, and leadership at Real Madrid.
The competition for the "9" and his scoring instinct
One of the most striking aspects is that Gonzalo has prevailed in the fight to be Real Madrid's new "9". Endrick Felipe, another young prospect, was going to compete for the spot, but an injury at the Club World Cup stopped him at the best moment.
Gonzalo has known how to seize his moment. He has shown that he not only knows how to score goals, but also understands team play, something Xabi Alonso values highly.
With 157 goals at all his youth stages, the striker has made it clear that he has a nose for goal and a winning mentality. Even Álvaro Arbeloa, who met him in Juvenil A, knows what he's capable of.