Real Madrid’s €20 million price tag for out-of-favour defender becomes an issue for La Liga club | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s transfer plans this summer clearly cannot function without sales, with multiple options present in some positions.

The left-back position, for example, has four current first-team options: Marc Cucurella, Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia.

At least one, if not two, will have to leave, and the player most likely to depart is Garcia. Real Betis are interested in signing the Spaniard this summer.

According to Sergio Valentin, Real Madrid have asked for €20 million for the left-back. Betis do not want to pay that figure, and negotiations are currently on hold.

Los Verdiblancos like Fran and need to strengthen at left-back, but they are also working within a careful financial reality.

On his way out. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have no reason to hand over a useful La Liga-level defender at a discount, except for the fact that he is no longer in their plans.

Fran may no longer have a clear route to regular minutes, especially with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras chosen as Jose Mourinho’s left-back options, but that does not make him a cheap market opportunity.

Real Madrid should negotiate from strength

Garcia is 26, Spanish, experienced in La Liga and still capable of being an important starter for a club like Betis. That profile has value, and Madrid are right to set a strong starting point.

The Andalusian club have been looking at the position for some time. Their left side has needed fresh energy, and Fran’s pace, attacking output and familiarity with the league make him a logical target.

Real Madrid want €20 million for Fran Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, €20 million is a difficult figure for Real Betis. They may hope to play the waiting game for Real Madrid to lower their demands later in the window, especially if the player is not part of Mourinho’s plans.

A sale makes sense, but not cheaply

From a squad-planning point of view, an exit still feels logical. Mourinho has settled on Cucurella and Carreras, which leaves Fran in a difficult place.

A player of his age should be playing regularly, not waiting for injuries or cup rotation. Still, Real Madrid need to protect their own market standards.

An opening price tag is very rarely the closing price tag in football. It is just a starting point for negotiations.

Ultimately, if Real Betis want the player and Los Blancos do not have plans for him, an amicable solution would be the best possible outcome.

A structured deal with a similar valuation but more favourable payment terms could benefit the Andalusian club. It remains to be seen how things play out on this front and whether Fran Garcia secures a move to Betis in the coming weeks.