Real Madrid Eye Traditional No. 9 After Gonzalo García Exit

Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of bringing in a traditional No. 9 after Gonzalo García’s departure, with the club looking for a different attacking profile to complement Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Endrick.

Gonzalo has now completed a permanent move to Fulham for €40 million, with Madrid retaining a significant portion of his rights and a future buy-back option. The Spanish striker leaves after making 13 first-team goals for Madrid, including a hat-trick against Real Betis.

The move has left Madrid considering whether their current forward options provide enough variety. While Mbappé can operate centrally, the club are reportedly looking for a more conventional striker capable of providing a physical presence, competing in the air and giving the team another way to attack when possession-based football is not producing openings.

The profile is reminiscent of Joselu, whose successful loan spell in Madrid’s 2023/24 Champions League-winning campaign gave the team a useful alternative to its more mobile forwards.

Reports have also linked Madrid with Carlos Espí, with Madrid Zone claiming the club are considering the Levante striker as a possible option. The 20-year-old has emerged as an interesting young striker rather than an established superstar, making the potential move particularly intriguing as Madrid weigh squad depth against long-term development.

The search comes during an increasingly active period for Madrid. The club are simultaneously working on their midfield, with Rodri now reportedly a serious target after his outstanding World Cup.

Madrid’s decision to sell Gonzalo while potentially searching for another striker has naturally divided supporters. Some believe the squad needs a proven No. 9 to provide tactical flexibility, while others question the logic of moving on a promising academy striker only to replace him with another forward.

For now, Carlos Espí is one of the names being discussed, but Madrid’s striker search appears to be about finding a specific profile rather than simply replacing Gonzalo.