Leeds United Set To Rival Sunderland For This Real Madrid Sensation: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

If a report from the Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Leeds United have tabled the most lucrative offer for the in-demand Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo García. AS Roma and Real Oviedo have asked for a season-long loan with no purchase option, but the English side would face the toughest challenge from their fellow newly-promoted Premier League outfit, Sunderland.

The Whites have agreed to pay a fee of around €20m for the 21-year-old centre-forward; however, Los Blancos are willing to insert a €30m buy-back clause to have control over his future. The Black Cats, on the other hand, are happy to take him on loan, with an obligation to secure his services for €15m (plus €5m add-ons) if they retain their top-flight status by the closure of the 2025-26 season.

Garcia progressed through the academy ranks of SEK, Club Santa Bárbara, and Jarama Race before joining La Fabrica at the age of 10. Besides a one-year stint with Mallorca, the Spaniard spent his youth years at Castilla and eventually broke into their senior squad as a sporadic option high up the pitch.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 26: Gonzalo Garcia #30 of Real Madrid C.F. celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Real Madrid CF at Lincoln Financial Field on June 26, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

While he netted 25 times this season in 36 appearances for the reserves, a goal in the Copa del Rey, as well as two goals and one assist in 3 Club World Cup outings, depict his emergence in the first-team picture. Yet he might struggle for minutes under Xabi Alonso, and therefore, could ply his trade elsewhere to flourish further with regular gametime.

Why Leeds United Need Another ‘Number 9’

Leeds United are back in the Premier League as the Championship winners, but the gaffer, Daniel Farke, must escape relegation this time, having failed to do so with Norwich City despite helping them clinch two top-flight promotions. He must aim for smart and quality signings over quantity, and the former Spain youth international ticks many boxes to shine in West Yorkshire.

Predominantly a ‘number 9’, Garcia has also featured from both flanks, thus exhibiting his versatility across the frontline. The Whites have Joël Piroe to spearhead the attack, but the Dutchman needs competition, given the grind and demand of Premier League football. Patrick Bamford does not seem to have a future at Elland Road, whereas neither Mateo Joseph nor the Bosman recruit Lukas Nmecha has been prolific as an outright centre-forward. They could slot in as squad options, unlike the Spaniard, who has showcased his poaching traits in limited opportunities.

Leeds are also after Nikola Krstović, but the Montenegrin striking ace has been hesitant to join the Peacocks. Nevertheless, they must step up the chase for Garcia, who not only has a very high ceiling but is also capable of featuring flexibly in and around the attacking third.