Real Madrid youngster arrives in peak condition for future-defining pre-season under Mourinho | OneFootball

Gonzalo Garcia’s future at Real Madrid could be decided over the coming weeks.

Amid interest from several clubs across Europe, Jose Mourinho has chosen to keep a close eye on the academy striker during pre-season before making a decision on his future.

And, according to AS, Gonzalo has returned to pre-season training this week in outstanding physical condition.

Indeed, the 22-year-old has reported back looking stronger than ever, showing the intensity and fitness of a player determined to earn his place in the squad after the summer break.

A turnaround in situation

At the start of the transfer window, Gonzalo appeared destined to leave. With Endrick returning from a successful loan spell at Lyon and expected to remain with the first team, both the academy graduate and his representatives were open to considering offers.

Whenever clubs enquired, Real Madrid made their valuation clear, placing a €60 million price tag on the striker.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gonzalo García (@gonzalogarcia7_)

The figure reflected Gonzalo’s impressive rise over the past year. After finishing as the top scorer at the Club World Cup and scoring eight goals in 1,471 minutes between the first team and Castilla, he had established himself as one of Spain’s brightest young forwards.

He also became the first-choice striker for Spain’s Under-21 side, further increasing his value.

Everything changed once Mourinho assessed his attacking options. The Portuguese coach believes his squad lacks a classic centre-forward capable of leading the line.

While Kylian Mbappe offers speed and versatility across the front three and Endrick can operate both centrally and from wider positions, Mourinho feels Gonzalo provides a different profile that the squad currently lacks.

Rather than approving a sale, the new manager decided to halt any transfer discussions and evaluate the academy graduate himself during pre-season.

Making a strong first impression

Fighting for his future. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

So far, Gonzalo has made the most of that opportunity. Coaches have been impressed by his physical development, with the striker arriving noticeably stronger and sharper than at the end of last season.

Aware of what was at stake, he spent the summer preparing specifically for this moment. His performances in training have already reinforced Mourinho’s belief that he deserves a serious opportunity.

The first public test will come on August 1, when Real Madrid face Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, Austria, where Gonzalo is likely to lead the attack.

After all, Endrick is not expected to feature, with the Brazilian only due back from holiday on July 27 alongside Vinicius Jr., while Mbappé will still be away following his extended summer break.

With several more friendlies planned before the start of the season, Gonzalo will have multiple opportunities to convince Mourinho that he deserves to remain part of Real Madrid’s plans.

The coming weeks could prove decisive for one of La Fabrica’s most promising forwards.