Real Madrid decide who will succeed Mbappe as the team’s new No. 9 – report | OneFootball

Luka Modric’s departure from Real Madrid has triggered a chain of events in the dressing room, especially concerning the jersey numbers of players. After all, his number meant the No. 10 shirt was vacant for the first time in years.

With the Croatian leaving and the number 10 kit being up for grabs, Kylian Mbappe did not hesitate in jumping into the legend’s shoes for he has had a fond place for the No. 10 shirt all his career.

As a consequence, the #9 shirt at the club turned out vacant and it has been a topic of discussion for a few days now as to who should inherit that shirt.

Decision made

As the two natural strikers in the squad, Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia were seen to be the ideal options to don the prestigious kit next season. The former, as a more hyped player, and the latter as the more in-form player, both had strong cases.

According to an update by Alberto Pereiro now, the decision has been made. It will be the team’s FIFA Club World Cup breakout star Gonzalo Garcia who will be Real Madrid’s No. 9 next season.

The new No. 9? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The decision will be a historic one as it will mark the first time after long that a Spanish player is the team’s number nine.

It also automatically implies that Garcia will be promoted to the first team officially and no longer registered with the Castilla.

While Endrick was seen to be Real Madrid’s long-term striker for a long time, Garcia made the most of the Brazilian’s absence last month and dished out a stunning Club World Cup campaign.

In six games in the event, he racked up four goals and an assist and thus had a goal contribution in every game except the semifinal defeat to PSG. His performance saw him rise Alonso’s pecking order and now inheriting the number 9 shirt.

As for Endrick, it appears that the player will stay in Madrid and continue to fight for his place once he recovers from his latest setback. After all, he was close to a departure on loan but the move fell apart at the nth moment.