Real Madrid 'uncertain' over Mendy future

Suraj Radia

• 14 Nov 2022 16:50 GMT
• 2 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly unsure over the future of Ferland Mendy despite the left-back being a regular part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first team.

Mendy was a €53 million signing from Lyon in 2019 and has become an undisputed starter since the departure of Marcelo in the summer, featuring in 11 of Real’s 14 La Liga games.

However, a report in Spanish outlet Marca has claimed that Real ‘are unsure of what to do with Mendy’ and are contemplating whether to sell him or renew his contract, with some believing the player to be the ‘weak link’ in the side.

The 27-year-old’s deal is set to expire in 2025 but there have been no talks over an extension despite Real having renewed the deals of 11 players in the last year, including some whose contracts were up at the same time as Mendy’s.

Marca describes Mendy as ‘undroppable’ for Ancelotti but there are doubts at the club over his fitness despite an acceptance of his ‘clear quality’.

Mendy is also the only player in Real’s usual side who does not feature regularly for his national team, with the Frenchman not called up for the World Cup in Qatar, leaving the club doubtful over his long-term future in Madrid.

What does the future hold for Ferland Mendy?

While Mendy has been injury-free this season, he has missed 277 days of action during his three years at the club, having featured in just 62% of games last season.

Austrian defender David Alaba is preferred at centre-back by Ancelotti but has regularly filled in at left-back, the position he was named in UEFA’s Team of the Year on three occasions while at Bayern Munich.

Real are reportedly in the market for a left-back irrespective of Mendy’s future but he has often been criticised for his lack of attacking prowess, especially in comparison to his predecessor Marcelo.

The Spaniards also pride themselves on their global appeal and may be disappointed at Mendy receiving just eight caps since his debut for France in 2018, meaning they could eventually pursue a higher-profile name.

Ironically, former Real defender Theo Hernandez is France’s first-choice left-back after establishing himself as one of the best wing-backs in the world since joining Milan the same summer Mendy arrived in Madrid.

With another ex-Madridsta in Rayo’s Fran Garcia also being considered due to the buy-back clause the club retain on him, Mendy may be moved on as soon as next summer unless Real choose to renew his contract.