Real Madrid considering contract termination for injury-prone defender after €60m signing

Marc Cucurella’s arrival has reshaped Real Madrid’s plans at left-back, with the Chelsea signing now viewed by manager Jose Mourinho as the preferred option on the left side of defence. As a result, the club is expected to shift its attention toward reducing the squad size and creating room on both the wage bill and in the dressing room. The original plan was to secure Cucurella first and then evaluate the futures of the existing left-backs, but that process has left both Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy in a more uncertain position.

According to AS, Real Madrid could consider an early termination of Mendy’s contract this summer, following a similar route to the one previously used with Eden Hazard. The French defender is still valued for his defensive ability, but his recurring injury problems have become a serious concern for the club. His latest setback required surgery in May, and he is not expected to return until around November, which makes a transfer difficult in the immediate term.

At 31, Mendy’s age is not seen as the main issue. The bigger problem is the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and how often he would be available for selection. That makes it harder for potential buyers to take him on, even though he remains an experienced and respected player. By negotiating a contract termination, Real Madrid could reduce part of his salary obligations while also allowing Mendy to look for a new club elsewhere. It is still unclear, however, whether both sides would agree to such an arrangement.

Mendy joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Lyon in a deal worth close to €50 million. Since then, he has played an important role in the team’s success and contributed to several trophy-winning campaigns. However, his time at the club has also been heavily affected by injuries. In total, he has reportedly suffered 24 major physical setbacks since arriving in Madrid, which has limited his continuity and availability.

With a gross salary of around €9 million per year, Real Madrid may see an early exit as a practical solution if they want to streamline the squad and manage costs more efficiently. The club’s left-back situation now appears to be entering a period of major transition, with Cucurella’s signing pushing the existing options closer to the exit door.