MADRID – Fran García’s hope of a move to the Premier League has been put on hold. Despite a concrete offer from Bournemouth, Real Madrid has officially vetoed the transfer, going against the player’s personal desire to seek more playing time in England.
According to COPE journalist Miguel Ángel Díaz, the 25-year-old left-back viewed the move favorably, seeing the South Coast club as the perfect opportunity to revitalize his career after being underutilized in the Spanish capital.
The Rise of Álvaro Carreras
The primary reason for Fran García’s peripheral role is the emergence of Álvaro Carreras. Since returning to the Bernabéu from Benfica, Carreras has cemented his place as the preferred choice under manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
- Limited Impact: Fran García has managed only 14 appearances and 710 minutes of action this season.
- The Competition: While he saw significant minutes under former coach Xabi Alonso, the current tactical shift has left him as a secondary option, scoring just once in a season dominated by Carreras.
Florentino Pérez Sets the Price
Although Real Madrid blocked the immediate exit in the January window, the club is well aware that García’s future lies elsewhere. Florentino Pérez has reportedly slapped a €30 million (approx. R$ 186.9 million) price tag on the defender.
While Bournemouth’s recent approach was rejected—likely to maintain squad depth for the Champions League knockout stages—the board is expected to be more open to negotiations in the summer. For now, Fran García remains “trapped” in a backup role, waiting for the end of a season that has seen his market value tested by a lack of continuity.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
