Who is Fran Garcia? The Spanish left-back Real Madrid want back

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 28 Oct 2022 18:02 BST
• 4 min read

Former Spain under-21 left-back Fran Garcia has impressed since leaving Real Madrid for Rayo Vallecano in 2020 and now the Spanish and European champions reportedly want him back.

Garcia was a Real Madrid Castilla teammate of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, but unlike the Brazilian youngsters, he never got his chance in Real's first-team, and he left in search of regular football in 2020.

He joined Rayo Vallecano, initially on loan, and made the deal permanent on helping them to La Liga promotion at the start of last season. This term, he has started 11 games to help Madrid's relative minnows up to 10th in the table.

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Real are at least two players deep in almost every position, but with Marcelo joining Olympiacos on a free transfer this summer, some cover for Ferland Mendy would be welcomed at the Bernabeu.

The Frenchman's injury record means Garcia could even become first-choice in the position, two short seasons after giving up on that goal.

What position does Garcia play in?

Garcia is an attacking left-back who is also happy to line up on the left of his side's attack, when required. He has seven goals and 11 assists from his 168 career games to date.

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How good is Garcia?

A diminutive 5'6" tall, Garcia combines a low centre for gravity with a quick turn of pace and good anticipation. His first thought is always to get the ball forward on winning back possession, and he has averaged three progressive passes and two shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last year.

What clubs are interested in Garcia?

Real reportedly want Garcia back, with David Alaba planned as a centre-back but having to deputise in his former position of left-back when Mendy isn't available.

Barcelona have also been credited with an interest with Jordi Alba likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

"We have 100 per cent of Fran Garcia's rights," says Rayo sporting director David Cobeno. "If Real Madrid want him: €10m."

When does Garcia's contract expire?

Garcia's contract at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas runs until 30 June 2025.

How old is Garcia?

Born on 14 August 1999, Garcia is 23 at the time of writing.

What is Garcia's Instagram?

Fran Garcia's Instagram has 47.4K followers as of October 2022.