Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly blocked the summer departure of academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia after reviewing his squad ahead of the new season.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the 22-year-old forward had been expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after the club placed a €60 million valuation on him.
However, Mourinho is said to have instructed the club’s hierarchy to halt the transfer after conducting a tactical assessment of his attacking options.
The report said the Portuguese manager believes the squad lacks a traditional centre-forward.
While Kylian Mbappe is regarded as a versatile attacker, Mourinho reportedly does not see him as a natural number nine.
He also views Endrick as a player better suited to operating from wider positions or as a second striker in certain tactical systems, leaving the central striking role without a specialist option.
Garcia has also impressed the coaching staff after reporting for pre-season in excellent physical condition following the summer break.
The Spain Under-21 international is said to have returned looking stronger and determined to establish himself in the first team.
Garcia enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign, finishing as the top scorer at the Club World Cup before scoring eight goals in 1,471 first-team minutes under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
According to reports, that form has convinced Mourinho to consider the striker as a genuine option to lead Real Madrid’s attack during the upcoming season.
