Liverpool ‘trying to sign’ Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia
Fran Garcia was given his first real opportunity in senior football by Andoni Iraola, with the pair helping Rayo Vallecano secure promotion from Segunda in 2021.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia, who made 122 appearances under Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano.
With Andy Robertson no longer in the picture, the path appears clear for Milos Kerkez to establish himself as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back under Iraola, the manager under whom he flourished at Bournemouth.
Garcia is another player who benefited significantly from working with Iraola, with the pair spending three seasons together at Rayo Vallecano.
Although Kostas Tsimikas has returned from his loan spell at Roma and is expected to provide cover for Kerkez, Liverpool have now been linked with a move for the 26-year-old Real Madrid full-back.
Speaking to The Redmen TV, Spanish football journalist Angel Garcia claimed: “The people I spoke to were pretty sure that Andoni Iraola is going to try to sign Fran Garcia.”
Fran Garcia progressed through Real Madrid’s youth system. The Spaniard became a key player for Rayo Vallecano between 2020 and 2023 before returning to Los Blancos. However, he has since fallen out of favour, starting just 10 La Liga matches this season.
As a result, Garcia believes Madrid could demand between £5million and £8million for a transfer. Liverpool would face competition if they pursue him, with the player now entering the final year of his contract.
The reporter explained: “Garcia is going to leave Real Madrid this year. I was reading in many Spanish sports magazines that Jose Mourinho does not want Fran Garcia in his team this year.
“There are many teams really interested in signing him in Spain – like Betis – and even in Italy.
“If Real Madrid realises that Liverpool wants to sign Fran Garcia, maybe they could ask for somewhere between €6m and €10m.
“What I know is that Betis in Spain are really, really interested.”
Garcia was given his first real opportunity in senior football by Andoni Iraola, with the pair helping Rayo Vallecano secure promotion from Segunda in 2021.
Before leaving Rayo, Garcia spoke highly of his coach as both prepared to move on. With Liverpool looking to strengthen other areas of the squad, a major outlay on a left-back appears unlikely.
However, if Garcia becomes available at a low fee, he could offer useful competition for Milos Kerkez, potentially allowing the club to move on Kostas Tsimikas.
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