Endrick or Gonzalo Garcia? Real Madrid legend tells Xabi Alonso which forward should leave Los Blancos this summer

Endrick Gonzalo Garcia

Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes has praised Gonzalo Garcia, suggesting Endrick should be sent on loan to give the Spaniard more playing time.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The former Los Blancos striker was speaking to popular Spanish program El Partizado de COPE. Morientes was glowing in his praise for the 21-year-old Garcia, saying his development is "great news for Madrid". The young Spaniard has scored three goals in the Club World Cup, including the winner in Real's narrow 1-0 win over Juventus in the Round of 16.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

The emergence of Garcia as a backup to Kylian Mbappe should prohibit Los Blancos from pursuing an expensive option in the market according to Morientes. That could also facilitate a loan move for Endrick, who has struggled for minutes and form since his profile move to the Spanish capital. Earlier this summer, it was reported Juve had tabled a loan bid for the young Brazilian.

WHAT MORIENTES SAID

Morientes said: "I loved Gonzalo; it’s great news for Real Madrid. I’ve always believed that youth players need to give everything to earn their place in the first team, and Gonzalo has done just that."

“If Real Madrid were thinking about players like Budimir from Osasuna or Vlahovic from Juventus, they would have to spend a lot of money.

“I think keeping Gonzalo makes perfect sense. Gonzalo will get his minutes and have his impact, but in this Club World Cup, he’s clearly been the standout news.

“I would like Endrick to go on loan so he can play more minutes elsewhere, and for Gonzalo to take on the role that Endrick was expected to have.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR GARCIA AND ENDRICK?

Garcia's form in the US has been a welcome development, as Mbappe and Endrick have both been nursing injuries during the Club World Cup; the 18-year-old only joined his teammates in Florida five days ago. Garcia will likely continue to lead the line for Los Blancos, in their quarterfinal matchup with Broussia Dortmund on Saturday night.