Real Madrid have made a major decision regarding the future of highly-rated striker Gonzalo García. Despite impressing José Mourinho during the club’s preseason preparations, the 22-year-old is now on the verge of completing a permanent move to Fulham in a deal reportedly worth €70 million, making it one of the biggest sales in Real Madrid’s history.
The Spanish giants have been one of the busiest clubs in Europe this summer. After already strengthening Mourinho’s squad with several high-profile signings, Los Blancos are still working to complete the arrivals of Rodri and Ivorian sensation Yan Diomandé before the transfer window closes.
At the same time, Real Madrid are focused on reducing the size of their squad. Mourinho believes several departures are necessary to balance the team and create space for new arrivals. Players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asensio, and Franco Mastantuono—who is expected to leave on loan—have all been linked with exits as part of the Portuguese manager’s rebuilding project.
One of the biggest questions concerned Gonzalo García. The academy graduate was initially expected to leave in order to make room for Endrick, who recently returned from his loan spell. However, García’s performances during preseason completely changed the situation. The young striker impressed Mourinho with his movement, work rate, finishing ability, and tactical discipline, to the point where the Portuguese coach reportedly considered keeping him in the first-team squad while allowing Endrick to leave on loan instead.
Despite Mourinho‘s admiration, the club’s hierarchy ultimately decided that selling García represented the best financial opportunity. With fierce competition for attacking positions at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid concluded that accepting a significant transfer fee would benefit both the player and the club.
According to The Athletic, Fulham accelerated negotiations in recent days to secure García’s signature alongside another promising youngster, César Palacios. Early reports suggested the London club would pay around €30 million for the striker, while Real Madrid intended to include several protective clauses, including a percentage of any future resale.
However, the final agreement has reportedly far exceeded those initial expectations.
Spanish radio station COPE reports that Real Madrid and Fulham have now reached an agreement worth €70 million. The deal also includes a preferential buy-back clause, ensuring that Los Blancos will have the opportunity to re-sign García in the future should he continue his impressive development in the Premier League.
The move will also reunite the striker with Álvaro Arbeloa, who recently joined Fulham after working with García on two separate occasions within Real Madrid’s academy system. Their existing relationship is expected to help the young forward adapt quickly to English football.
For Fulham, the signing represents a major statement of ambition. Investing €70 million in one of Spain’s brightest attacking prospects demonstrates the club’s determination to strengthen its squad with young, high-potential talent capable of becoming a long-term star.
🚨💣 GONZALO GARCIA TO FULHAM, FULL DETAILS:
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 30, 2026
– DEAL DONE FOR €70M
– Fulham will buy 100% of his rights
– Real Madrid will only keep a right of first refusal@COPE pic.twitter.com/Ojz518Ielb
For Real Madrid, the transfer is equally significant from a financial perspective. If the deal is completed under the reported terms, García’s departure will become the third-largest sale in the club’s history, highlighting the extraordinary value generated by the club’s renowned academy.
Although many supporters hoped to see Gonzalo García establish himself at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid have ensured they retain control over his long-term future through the buy-back option. Should the striker flourish in England, the Spanish giants will still have the opportunity to bring one of their own back home.
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