Blocked! Real Madrid defender wanted January move to Bournemouth

Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia seriously considered leaving the Spanish giant during the January transfer window.

Garcia has struggled for game time this season and would love to have more match under his belt. According to a recent report from SPORT, the Spanish left-back was keen on a move after receiving interest from Bournemouth,

However, Madrid hierarchy decided to shut the door on any potential departure.

The report explains that Garcia was particularly attracted by the idea of reuniting with Andoni Iraola, who previously coached him at Rayo Vallecano.

Fran Garcia seems to have lost his place in the Real Madrid squad. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Under Iraola, Garcia enjoyed regular football and played some of the best football of his career.

Garcia believes he would have more playing time under a coach who trusts him. Bournemouth have also been consistent this season and it would help him to play at the highest level.

Since Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of Madrid, Garcia’s role has diminished sharply.

He was included in Arbeloa’s first match in charge against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, but was substituted after 64 minutes. Since then, Garcia has not featured in subsequent line-ups.

Arbeloa has instead preferred other solutions, as even Eduardo Camavinga has been used ahead of Garcia at left-back.

The situation has left Garcia watching from the bench, with academy players Jorge Cestero and David Jimenez even seeing more minutes than him.

Garcia still has a contract running until 2027, but might ask for a move in the summer.

It’s left to see how the Spanish star will navigate through the end of the season, with Madrid currently not playing as a strong unit.