Garcia has impressed for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup and Fernando Morientes wants the 21-year-old to stay
Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has called on the club to keep academy forward Gonzalo Garcia in the first-team squad next season but send Endrick out on loan.
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, Morientes praised Garcia’s performances in the Club World Cup, where the 21-year-old has scored three goals, including the winner in a 1-0 victory over Juventus in the round of 16.
“I loved what I saw from Gonzalo,” said Morientes. “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.”
Garcia received his first call-up to the senior team in 2023 and has made five La Liga appearances so far. But his only domestic goal for Los Blancos came in his only Copa del Rey appearance last February.
“If Real Madrid were thinking about players like Budimir from Osasuna or Vlahovic from Juventus, they would have to spend a lot of money,” said Morientes.
“I think keeping Gonzalo makes perfect sense. He will get his minutes and have his impact, but in this Club World Cup, he’s clearly been the standout news.”
Endrick, who joined from Palmeiras last summer, has not found it easy to settle. Morientes suggested a loan move would benefit the 18-year-old.
“Endrick needs minutes, and he’s not going to get them right now. Gonzalo is ready to contribute immediately.”
