- Real Madrid set stance on Newcastle United target
- Gonzalo Garcia could be realistic summer target
- Galacticos star compared to Raul
Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Gonzalo Garcia. The 22-year-old is reportedly expected to leave, with Real Madrid prioritising the return of Endrick over the academy graduate.
Garcia is set to be ‘forced’ to find a new club despite registering an impressive 15 goal contributions in just 18 starts for Real Madrid this season.
The Spaniard is thought to be on Newcastle’s shortlist of forwards this summer. The club are eyeing possible options to strengthen their forward line after a lacklustre season from their new strikers in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Real Madrid make stance clear on Newcastle United target
Reports today have suggested Los Blancos have made their minds up on the future of Garcia, with the academy product not thought to be in Arbeloa’s plans going forward.
Real Madrid do have Brazilian wonderkid Endrick currently out on loan to French club Lyon, where he has made a splash since his January arrival.
All signs at this stage point toward him being the main focus of development, leaving Garcia almost certain to see the exit door this summer.
There is thought to be a plethora of clubs vying for the 22-year-old’s signature. His impressive record has drawn attention from all over Europe and beyond. Fichajes carried reports of a £22 million bid for Turkey in January.
Newcastle will likely be sniffing around when the window opens, although the striker spot isn’t necessarily thought to be a priority in the early stages.
Real Madrid could insert transfer clause
Real Madrid are thought to be looking at inserting a buyback clause into whatever deal they agree to with Garcia.
They did the same during the sale of Nico Paz to Como. He has been excellent this season and looks set to be recalled within the next couple of years.
This may put the Magpies off cutting a deal. Especially given what has already happened with players such as Alexander Isak, and may happen this summer with Sandro Tonali.
Furthermore, Madrid did sign Garcia to a new contract last summer. In theory, it keeps him at the club until 2030. This will likely mean any fee is on the larger side and could price the Magpies out of a move given the other areas that need strengthening.
Magpies target compared to Spanish legend Raul
Garcia has been linked with the Magpies in recent weeks and is thought to be high up on the list of targets as they look to fill the hole left by Isak once and for all.
The Madrid forward finished last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup as top scorer, with four goals to his name across the competition.
This performance saw many draw similarities between him and legendary striker Raul. Something which Garcia was vocal about in appreciation. Garcia said: “It’s a great compliment. For me, it’s really something.
“The comparison with Raúl is enormous. He taught me so much during the two years we spent together at Castilla. I’m very grateful for everything he passed on to me.”
This has been Garcia’s first season as a first-team regular, having played for Castilla in the previous campaign.
He has impressed throughout the campaign, accumulating 39 appearances in total across all competitions.
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