Real Madrid considering terminating injury-prone defender’s contract after €60m new signing | OneFootball

The arrival of Marc Cucurella has significantly altered the landscape at left-back for Real Madrid.

With manager Jose Mourinho identifying the €60 million new signing from Chelsea as his preferred option on the left side of defence, Los Blancos are now expected to focus on trimming the squad and creating space both on the wage bill and in the dressing room.

Real Madrid’s plan was always to secure the signing of Cucurella first and then assess the futures of the existing left-backs. And, as things stand, both Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy find themselves in increasingly vulnerable positions.

Ferland Mendy to go the Eden Hazard route?

Given the situation, AS reports that Real Madrid could explore a solution similar to the one used with Eden Hazard and terminate Mendy’s contract this summer.

While the French defender remains highly respected for his defensive qualities, his injury record has become a major obstacle.

What does the future hold for Mendy? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Since joining Real Madrid, he has suffered numerous physical setbacks, and his latest injury required surgery in May. The recovery period is expected to keep him sidelined until approximately November, making a transfer extremely unlikely in the short term.

At 31 years old, age is not viewed as the primary issue. Rather, it is the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and availability that makes potential buyers hesitant.

Therefore, Los Blancos are considering negotiating an early contract termination, allowing the club to reduce part of Mendy’s salary commitments while enabling the player to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Whether such a solution would be acceptable to both parties remains unclear.

24 injuries since joining Real Madrid

Injuries a major concern. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Mendy has been at Real Madrid since 2019 when he arrived from Olympique Lyon in a deal worth close to €50 million.

Even though he played an important role in the trophies that Los Blancos since his signing, Mendy’s career at the club has largely been hampered by injuries.

Indeed, the French international has suffered as many as 24 major physical problems since joining the Spanish capital giants.

Given that he is on a gross salary of around €9 million per year, it makes sense for Real Madrid to consider parting ways with the left-back prematurely.