Real Madrid face sticky situation with injury-prone defender amid mystery around contract | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy could be one of the unluckiest footballers in modern football. On his day, the Frenchman is easily one of the best left-backs in the world. But on most days, he is always out injured.

Mendy’s latest blow came earlier this month, as the player had to undergo surgery for a rectus femoris tendon injury, which could further derail his progress.

The exact recovery timeline remains unclear, with the player’s entourage suggesting three to four months while other reports point to a period of five-six months.

Mendy’s mysterious contract at Real Madrid

As reported by AS, Real Madrid’s problems with Mendy, apart from his injuries, have been compounded by his mysterious contract renewal.

Ferland Mendy’s contract situation is tricky. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Unlike the club’s standard protocol, Real Madrid never officially announced the extension, and the only public confirmation came inadvertently from Carlo Ancelotti in September 2024, when he let slip during a press conference that Mendy had already signed.

Real Madrid later leaked that the renewal ran until 2027, meaning just one year would remain on his deal at the end of the season.

However, the report suggests that his entourage insists that the contract actually runs until 2028, leaving two years remaining.

Real Madrid’s headache at left-back

With a long-term contract and a considerable salary, Mendy represents a significant financial commitment for a player whose injury record makes him virtually unsellable.

All eyes on Ferland Mendy’s future. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The problem is compounded by Real Madrid’s options in that position. Alvaro Carreras was signed from Benfica last summer for €50 million and is expected to be the long-term solution, while Fran Garcia offers backup cover.

But neither of them have truly hit the ground running.

With Mendy potentially sidelined until late August at the earliest, and two years potentially remaining on his contract, Real Madrid find themselves in a difficult position.