Fulham’s chase for Gonzalo García appears to have taken a significant step forward after José Mourinho reportedly decided the striker can leave Real Madrid this summer.
Last week, reports from Spain indicated Álvaro Arbeloa was leading Fulham’s efforts to sign the 22-year-old. The Premier League club is already in talks with both Real Madrid and the player.
At that stage, García still hoped to convince Mourinho to keep him in the Spanish giants’ first-team plans during pre-season. That situation now appears to have changed.
Mourinho changes picture
According to El Desmarque, Mourinho has now given the green light for Gonzalo García to depart. This opens the door for Fulham to push ahead with negotiations.
The report states discussions between the London club and the player are already underway. Real Madrid is now prepared to negotiate a deal.
The outlet adds Los Blancos want to retain control over the striker’s future by keeping 50% of his economic rights. This follows a model they have used in several academy departures in recent years.
That would represent quite a shift from the uncertainty surrounding García’s future only a few days ago, when his chances of remaining in Madrid were still being assessed internally.
Transfer fee claim emerges
Local insider outlet Bernabéu Digital also reports on Monday that Fulham are prepared to offer €30m (£26m) for Gonzalo García.
The outlet even suggests the transfer could be completed next week. However, it also acknowledges details of the structure remain unclear, particularly whether Real Madrid would include any clause allowing them to retain influence over the player’s future.
Fulham’s interest has been driven by Arbeloa, who worked closely with García in Real Madrid’s academy before taking charge at Craven Cottage earlier this summer.
The striker enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring regularly for Real Madrid Castilla before continuing his development around the first team.
With Mourinho now reportedly willing to sanction his departure, Fulham may finally have the opening they have been waiting for.
