Real Madrid renewed defender’s contract in 2024 despite medical warnings, regretted it soon after | OneFootball

Ferland Mendy’s latest injury has taken the Spanish media by storm, with many Real Madrid faithful even questioning why the player continues to be associated with the club when he offers no playing time of substance.

Jorge C Picon, in a recent update, brings out the truth behind Mendy’s contract renovation in 2024 and why the club is, in fact, still paying for a poor decision taken in the heat of the moment back then.

Ancelotti’s request

As relayed by the Spanish journalist, it was Carlo Ancelotti’s ‘express request’ back in 2024 to renew Mendy’s contract.

His request was backed by the club after winning the UEFA Champions League and they saw it as a just reward for a player who was crucial in winning the title, and overall over the past few years in their dynamics.

Real Madrid instantly regretted Mendy’s last renewal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The medical assessments of the player back then, however, warned the board that renewing his contract would be a mistake. They identified that his fitness was extremely fragile with one expert calling it a ‘miracle’ that he was still playing professional football.

Just a few months after signing his renewal, many within the Real Madrid offices already began regretting the decision. They even put up many top agents with the mission of finding him suitors, knowing well that selling such a fragile player will be difficult.

His current contract runs until 2027, and Real Madrid are clearly frustrated with his situation. They will continue looking for means to offload him even before his deal ends.

They have already received several approached of parties interested in signing Mendy, but none satisfy them in an economic sense. As it stands, they see it better to keep him in the squad than lose him for a loss.

There remains complete faith in Mendy’s ability as a player when fit and that he is one of the best in the world in his position at his peak. His fitness, however, negates all the positives he brings and makes his situation one of serious concern for the club.