The ‘Next Raúl’ Shines in Preseason Preparations

Gonzalo García became one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Club World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals and one assist. His chance came when Kylian Mbappé was sidelined with gastroenteritis, and the 21-year-old didn’t waste a second of it—he kept his starting role even after the French star returned to action.

Known for his relentless pressing and off-the-ball work rate, García stood out among other forwards. While Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé logged a combined 581 minutes without recovering possession once, García averaged a successful tackle per match, showing a different dimension in the final third.

Xabi Alonso is expected to evaluate the young striker further during the upcoming preseason. Training resumes on August 4, and despite the club’s attempt to delay their La Liga return, Real Madrid will kick off their campaign against Osasuna on August 19.

Multiple Clubs Interested in a Loan Deal

The youngster’s rise has sparked interest across La Liga and beyond. Getafe’s president Ángel Torres publicly declared that a deal had been in place for weeks: “If he doesn’t stay at Real Madrid, he’ll come to Getafe,” he claimed.

However, García’s representatives have yet to confirm such an agreement. The player is reportedly reviewing a series of “non-stop offers,” including several from Premier League clubs, according to AS. Real Madrid themselves haven’t settled on a decision, keeping all options open as they monitor the forward’s development.

The final verdict will rest on what Xabi Alonso sees in the coming weeks. While García has proven he can compete at the highest level, consistent playing time is crucial for his growth. The club now faces a choice—keep him as part of the senior squad or loan him out to gain valuable minutes.