Real Madrid youth prodigy had received offers to leave the club in January – report | OneFootball

Gonzalo Garcia has become an overnight sensation for Real Madrid following his exceptional performance in the opening FIFA Club World Cup match against Al Hilal.

The youngster scored the only goal of the game, as Real Madrid were halted to a 1-1 draw by the Saudi Arabian giants.

Following his performance, many expect Garcia to make a stunning breakthrough in the first-team this season. Many also believe that Real Madrid may have already found their replacement for Joselu.

Gonzalo Garcia had offers to leave in January

According to MARCA, things could have turned very diffrently for Garcia, who had offers to leave the club in January.

Several clubs were reportedly keen on securing his services during the winter window, but the Valdebebas hierarchy was firm in its decision to keep him.

All eyes will be Gonzalo Garcia this summer (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The club’s reasoning was twofold: they needed his firepower to help Real Madrid Castilla’s push for promotion, and he was also considered a valuable emergency backup for the first team.

The decision paid off. The forward enjoyed a stellar campaign for the reserves, equalling Mariano Diaz’s record of 25 goals for the B-team and finishing as the top scorer in the history of the Primera Federacion.

Now, after his decisive goal under Xabi Alonso, his future is once again a hot topic.

But while the new manager is known to be an admirer and could give him opportunities, his path is not entirely clear, especially with Endrick also vying for a spot.

The club are yet to make a final decision, but by rejecting the January offers, they have ensured Garcia has become a valuable asset, who could be set for a big season ahead.