Real Madrid hasn't finalized its squad for next season yet. Next Monday, August 4, Xabi Alonso's team will return to training and there's still work to be done. Florentino Pérez is in constant contact with its coach, taking his opinion very seriously for the squad's formation. A key decision has been placed on the Basque's table, having to choose between two players: only one can remain.
Key decision
AS has revealed that Real Madrid needs to make changes to the squad. An important position is the "9", where only Kylian Mbappé's continuity is guaranteed. In Xabi Alonso's system, only one pure striker is used, so right now there's an excess in that position. The Frenchman needs just one backup and there are two, so one of them has to leave.
This means that, between Endrick and Gonzalo García, one must leave. The idea is that Real Madrid has to choose. There are available spots and enough non-EU slots, but since both are so young, the third in line would see his progression seriously threatened.
Both Endrick and Gonzalo García need to play regularly and get minutes in order to progress. This means that one of them has to leave, a decision that will fall to Xabi Alonso. Either is a real dilemma, since both want to be part of Real Madrid's squad and have no intention of leaving now.
Nobody expected Gonzalo García's breakthrough
Gonzalo García has seized his opportunity like few others. The young striker from Real Madrid has been one of the big surprises of the Club World Cup, where he managed to secure a starting spot thanks to two key absences: Mbappé's gastroenteritis and Endrick's injury. Far from shrinking, he replied with star numbers: 4 goals in 6 matches.
At just 21, Gonzalo has burst into Xabi Alonso's plans with force. The Basque coach has been delighted with his finishing ability, movement, and confidence. It's no coincidence that he gave him important minutes in an international event like the Club World Cup. His performance has been so solid that now the club is considering a new role for him in the squad.
From Real Madrid's offices, there's satisfaction with his growth. Trained at Valdebebas, he represents the talent of the white academy, and with performances like this, he earns a place among the seniors. His breakthrough comes at a key moment, with fierce competition in the forward line.
Now it remains to be seen if Gonzalo García will continue in the squad next season. For now, he has already made a statement. Madrid has a diamond in the rough, but now it must decide between him or Endrick. It won't be easy.