Real Madrid star ‘not part of the club’s plans’ for next season

Real Madrid have informed 22-year-old striker Gonzalo García that he will not be part of the first-team project next season, clearing the way for a summer exit, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Monday.

García, a product of the club’s academy, has spent the current campaign operating largely as Kylian Mbappé’s understudy, mustering only six La Liga starts. Despite the limited minutes, the Spaniard has shown flashes of his potential, scoring six goals across all competitions—most memorably a hat-trick against Real Betis in January.

Yet those contributions have not altered Madrid’s stance. Blancos insider Mario Cortegana reports that club officials believe García’s development hinges on consistent top-flight football elsewhere. The decision, described as final, paves the way for a permanent transfer while ensuring Madrid retain influence over the forward’s long-term trajectory through a buy-back or sell-on clause.

With the striker market set to intensify ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, Madrid will now listen to offers for a player whose valuation remains attractive given his age, pedigree and goal return. García, for his part, is understood to be open to a move that guarantees regular minutes, accelerating a career that has stalled behind one of world football’s marquee names.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue to streamline a squad they hope will challenge on multiple fronts next term, and parting with García is viewed as a necessary step toward that objective.