Real Madrid identify 24-year-old Borussia Dortmund star as potential Fran Garcia replacement

Madrid—Real Madrid’s technical staff have accelerated their summer planning by shortlisting Borussia Dortmund’s 24-year-old defender Daniel Svensson as the leading candidate to replace Fran Garcia should the left-back depart the Santiago Bernabéu, according to Fichajes.

With Garcia’s long-term future still unresolved, club scouts have zeroed in on Svensson as the ideal profile to inject energy, competition, and reliability into a position that has caused concern throughout the campaign. While Garcia has shown flashes of quality, the coaching staff are open to a change if a suitable offer materialises.

Svensson, who joined Dortmund in 2025, has impressed in the Bundesliga with three goals and one assist in 31 appearances, operating primarily as a wing-back but also comfortable across the back line. His versatility, physical strength, and rapid adaptation to German football align with Madrid’s recruitment model of acquiring young, high-ceiling talents already performing at elite levels.

Dortmund have slapped a €30 million valuation on the Sweden international and are braced for a summer scramble, with Arsenal and Inter Milan also tracking his development. Real Madrid, determined to avoid being caught unprepared, are monitoring the situation closely and could fast-track negotiations if Premier League interest intensifies.

The club’s contingency plan is clear: secure a ready-made replacement before green-lighting any Garcia exit, ensuring the left-back slot remains competitive for the 2025-26 season and beyond.