Real Madrid have reportedly put out-of-favour left-back Ferland Mendy up for sale as they look to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
According to AS, Los Blancos are ready to listen to offers for the Frenchman, who joined the club from Lyon for a reported fee of €48 million in 2019.
Madrid considered Mendy’s sale last summer, but a lack of suitors helped the 28-year-old extend his career at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season.
However, several injury setbacks and Carlo Ancelotti’s experiment with Eduardo Camavinga as a left-back restricted the French defender to only 17 La Liga starts in 2022/23.
Mendy’s contract expires in 2025, and he is in no rush to leave Spain unless forced to accept offers from abroad.
Madrid failed to find a buyer last summer, but the emergence of the wealthy Saudi market could flip the script this time, with several Pro League clubs reportedly targeting the ex-Lyon man.
Ancelotti’s side parted with Karim Benzema, Mariano Diaz, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio at the end of last season, although each player left upon the expiry of their contracts.
Los Merengues have splashed out close to €110 million in transfer fees to secure the services of Jude Bellingham, Joselu and Fran Garcia.
The discrepancy is alarming, and Mendy’s potential departure could be the beginning of summer sales at the Bernabeu, especially with the Spaniards still pursuing a top-class striker to replace Benzema.
Garcia’s arrival from Rayo Vallecano will further reduce the Frenchman’s first-team opportunities, so there’s no point keeping hold of him if a lucrative offer comes in.
Madrid have already earmarked Bayern Munich’s speed demon Alphonso Davies as a genuine target to reinforce the left flank.
Although they’re likely to miss out on the Canadian’s signature this summer, last season’s La Liga runners-up will probably knock on the Bavarians’ door next year.
