Fran Garcia closing in on Real Madrid return

Rayo Vallecano defender Fran Garcia is reportedly edging closer to rejoining Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

According to Defensa Central, Fran Garcia has rejected a move to Real Betis. The 23-year-old Rayo Vallecano defender does not want to join the Andalusian club as he is closing in on rejoining Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

Fran Garcia is a graduate of Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy. The Spanish defender joined Real Madrid nearly a decade ago before rising through the ranks at the club. But he could never establish a foothold at the Santiago Bernabeu and moved to Rayo Vallecano in September 2020.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a successful 2020/21 campaign on loan at Rayo Vallecano, who signed him permanently in July 2021. Since then, Garcia has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in La Liga. And he has chipped in with three goals and eight assists in 100 appearances thus far for Rayo Vallecano.

The Spaniard’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several high-profile clubs setting their sights on him. These include Real Betis, Sevilla, and former employer Real Madrid. Real Betis even tried to sign the 23-year-old Spanish defender this month following Alex Moreno’s move to Aston Villa.

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But Garcia has turned down the chance to join the Andalusian club as he wants to rejoin Real Madrid. And according to Defensa Central, the reigning La Liga champions are closing in on re-signing the player. The move makes sense, considering the uncertainties surrounding Ferland Mendy’s future.

The Frenchman might leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, with Los Blancos considering a sale. And Fran Garcia is the ideal candidate to fill the void that Mendy might leave in the summer. The 23-year-old Spanish defender might not be a glamorous name, but he is an efficient performer. And that matters more for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Spaniard is well-settled in La Liga and has the qualities to succeed at Real Madrid. And it will be interesting to see if a summer move materialises. For now, Garcia has snubbed a move to Real Betis to return to Real Madrid in the summer.