Real Madrid’s forwards are looking to get more minutes and opportunities to participate. The competition for the number 9 position in the royal team has turned into a long-term marathon for players who are waiting for an opportunity that may never come in the presence of Kylian Mbappé. After talking about the possibility of loaning out the Brazilian Endrick, now the name of Gonzalo García is being circulated.
The British newspaper “Daily Mail” reported in a report that Brighton and several other clubs in the English Premier League are closely monitoring the situation of the Spanish striker, waiting for the Spanish giant club to agree to loan him out during the winter transfer period next January.
The 21-year-old academy graduate faces a crossroads: either convince Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso to try to achieve success inside the “Bernabéu”, or look for an opportunity to play regularly to continue his football development, which he has not had this season.
While last summer was a turning point in his career, when he became the top scorer in the new Club World Cup, scoring four goals and making one assist in six games, the start of this season represents a real shock.
Gonzalo García has only had 105 minutes of play in nine games. Just brief glimpses to show why Real Madrid renewed his contract until 2030, and with this limited time, it is almost impossible to prove yourself.
A complex puzzle in Madrid
The “Daily Mail” explained that many clubs in the English Premier League would be interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan if the opportunity arises. Leeds and Sunderland have already inquired during the summer, and other clubs are looking at Gonzalo as an attractive opportunity in the transfer market. But Real Madrid’s situation is complicated.
The possibility of Endrick’s departure, in addition to the increasing pressure from the French club Lyon to obtain him on loan next January, may hinder any further move. One player may leave. But it seems unlikely that two players will leave, especially with a long season awaiting the team and Xabi Alonso’s keenness to maintain his options in the number 9 position.
Thus, while receiving offers from the English League, Gonzalo continues to train and work hard. Without giving up. Like all the substitute players who dream of turning their few minutes into real opportunities. Real Madrid’s next test will be against Elche, and with the return of the international players, we will see how the situation of the substitute forwards will develop.
Regarding García and Endrick, Xabi Alonso stated in the last press conference before the break after the draw against Rayo Vallecano: “Endrick and Gonzalo? We had other strikers on the field who could also create dangerous opportunities.”
According to the Spanish newspaper “AS”, 52.9% of Real Madrid’s goals this season were scored by Kylian Mbappé, who scored 18 goals out of the team’s 34 goals, reflecting the great dependence on the French star.
In Mbappé’s absence, the attacking effectiveness of the Merengue declined, as Real Madrid failed to score in two consecutive matches for the first time since May 2023, both against Liverpool in the Champions League and Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish League, and advanced statistics failed to save the team, as the team recorded 0.45 expected goals at Anfield and 0.8 in Vallecano.
Regarding the substitute players, the newspaper clarified that neither Gonzalo García nor Endrick had a real opportunity, as neither of them warmed up against Rayo Vallecano, and the natural substitute was Rodrigo instead of Brahim Diaz.
It pointed out that this reflects a recurring trend during the season, far from the brilliance that Gonzalo showed in the Club World Cup in the United States, where he was a key player and the tournament’s top scorer, and he obtained renewal and promotion thanks to the great confidence that Xabi gave him, but his importance declined as the season progressed.
According to “AS” statistics, Gonzalo’s total participation amounted to only 105 minutes, or 7% of the total minutes of the season, taking into account his assist in Almaty and his participation as a starter against Espanyol, while the bright moments in his career were with the under-21 national team, where he played and scored two goals and showed his capabilities.
Real Madrid currently occupies the top of the Spanish League standings with 31 points after 12 rounds, after achieving 10 victories, drawing in one match, and losing in another. The Merengue stars scored 26 goals and conceded 10 other goals, and they are ahead of Barcelona, the closest pursuers, by 3 points.
Real Madrid is preparing to play 4 consecutive matches away from home, starting with facing Elche next Sunday in the Spanish League, after which they will face Olympiacos in the Champions League next Wednesday.
Then they will be guests of Girona in the Spanish League on November 30, and then face Athletic Bilbao on December 3.
