Mourinho’s gamble: keeping Gonzalo Garcia amid Europe’s interest

While clubs across Europe line up to sign the 22‑year‑old striker, Real Madrid’s head coach Jose Mourinho has placed Gonzalo Garcia under the microscope, waiting to decide whether the academy forward stays as pre‑season unfolds, a choice that could be settled in the coming weeks after his return to training in peak condition. According to AS, Garcia rejoined the pre‑season programme this week displaying outstanding physical condition, a marked improvement over the end of last season. The 22‑year‑old arrived stronger and sharper, showing the intensity required to earn a place after the summer break. At the start of the transfer window, Garcia appeared destined to leave, with Real Madrid setting a €60 million valuation whenever clubs inquired. His representatives were open to offers, especially as Endrick returned from Lyon and was expected to remain with the first team. Garcia’s résumé includes topping the scoring charts at the Club World Cup and netting eight goals in 1,471 minutes across the first team and Castilla. He also secured the role of first‑choice striker for Spain’s Under‑21 side, further boosting his market value.

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Mourinho has assessed his attacking options and believes the squad lacks a classic centre‑forward. While Kylian Mbappé provides speed and versatility and Endrick can operate centrally or wide, Mourinho sees Garcia offering a different profile the team needs. Consequently, the Portuguese coach halted any transfer discussions and chose to evaluate Garcia himself during pre‑season. So far, coaches have praised his physical development, noting he arrived noticeably stronger than at the end of the previous season. Garcia’s summer preparation was focused on this moment, and his training performances have already reinforced Mourinho’s belief that he deserves a serious opportunity. The first public test is set for August 1, when Real Madrid face Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, Austria, with Garcia likely to lead the attack.

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Endrick is not expected to feature, returning from holiday on July 27 alongside Vinícius Jr., while Mbappé remains on an extended break, leaving Garcia as the primary striker for the upcoming friendlies. With several more matches scheduled before the season starts, the coming weeks will be decisive for one of La Fabrica’s most promising forwards. The contrast between external interest and Mourinho’s internal assessment underscores that Garcia’s future hinges on his pre‑season displays rather than market speculation.