Real Madrid reopen negotiations over out-of-favour defender’s exit amid Real Betis interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s ongoing squad restructuring could soon lead to a major departure, with Fran Garcia to Real Betis negotiations gathering momentum once again.

According to Matteo Moretto, contacts between the two clubs remain active, with Betis continuing to view the Real Madrid defender as their preferred option to strengthen the left-back position ahead of the new campaign.

Although an agreement has not yet been reached, discussions have resumed after a period of uncertainty, increasing expectations that the operation could accelerate in the coming weeks.

The latest Real Madrid transfer news suggests that Fran Garcia is now the leading candidate to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Real Betis continue to prioritise Fran Garcia signing

There is no secret regarding Betis’ intentions in the market, with the Andalusian club having identified Fran Garcia as their ideal addition at left-back and remain determined to explore a deal despite the financial gap that still separates both sides.

As such, Real Madrid have reportedly set an asking price of around €20 million for the defender, a valuation that Betis currently consider too high.

Real Betis are quite serious about signing Fran Garcia. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That disagreement caused negotiations to slow down earlier in the window, but fresh conversations indicate that both parties are willing to keep searching for common ground.

Notably, the situation has become increasingly understandable given Madrid’s activity in the transfer market.

Following the arrival of Marc Cucurella, the club now has significant depth on the left side of defence.

With Cucurella, Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia all competing for places, reducing numbers in that area of the squad has become a priority.

Mourinho’s plans point towards Fran Garcia exit

The arrival of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid has brought fresh competition across the squad, and the Portuguese coach already appears to have a preferred hierarchy at left-back.

Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras are currently viewed as Mourinho’s leading options for the position, while Ferland Mendy injury concerns continue to delay the Frenchman’s return to full fitness.

Fran Garcia is certain to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Despite Mendy’s situation, the expectation within the club is that Fran Garcia will be the player sacrificed to balance the squad.

His pathway towards regular minutes looks increasingly complicated, particularly with Mourinho believed to be keen on keeping Carreras despite the youngster’s inconsistent debut season.

That does not mean Madrid are prepared to lower their demands significantly.

The club remains convinced that Fran Garcia represents a valuable asset and are unwilling to treat the defender as a low-cost market opportunity.

As a result, the Fran Garcia transfer remains dependent on whether Betis are prepared to move closer to Real Madrid’s valuation.