Real Madrid, caught up in one player’s mysterious contract

Ferland Mendy has once again demonstrated that, when fit and healthy, he is a top-class full-back and one of the best in the world thanks to his outstanding defensive abilities. However, it has also become clear once again that he is unable to play several consecutive matches without suffering another recurrence of his persistent physical problems.

This latest injury is a serious one: a significant rupture of the rectus femoris tendon in his right leg, a relapse of a previous issue that had already sidelined him for several months. He underwent surgery on Monday in France under Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, one of the country’s most prestigious trauma specialists, and is expected to be out for several months, although the exact timeframe depends on who you ask. The player’s entourage speaks of three to four months and believes he could be ready by the end of August. The club, meanwhile, estimates closer to five months, while stressing that the operation should significantly reduce the risk of another relapse. Cope, however, reported that the injury is more serious and could keep him out for close to a year.

It is clearly a problem for Mendy himself, but it is also a problem for Real Madrid, who renewed the Frenchman’s contract until 2024, although the renewal itself was unusual, given that the club never officially announced it, as they traditionally do. A few years ago, the standard protocol for a renewal involved an official presentation and press conference with the player, but that custom has gradually disappeared.

In Mendy’s case, there was not even an announcement. It is only known that he signed a new deal because he continued playing for Real Madrid and because Carlo Ancelotti let it slip during a press conference in September 2024: “We’re delighted with Mendy. He’s renewed his contract, he’s doing very well.” Ancelotti has always shown a clear preference for him, once describing him as “the best defensive left-back in the world.”

The reality is that Real Madrid now have an overabundance of options at left-back. Last summer, Carreras arrived from Benfica for over $50 million. He has not yet lived up to expectations, but an investment of that size suggests he is expected to become the first-choice option in the club’s new project. Fran García has not featured heavily either, but he offers reliability as a backup.

Then there is Mendy, who has played just 452 minutes and earns a salary befitting a player who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s last two Champions League triumphs. Given his injury record, it is highly unlikely that any club will make a move for him, and that is where the problem lies: Real Madrid are tied to a player whose contract situation remains somewhat unclear.

Without an official announcement, there is little certainty. At the time, Real Madrid leaked that the renewal ran until 2027, which would mean he only has one year remaining on his deal. However, sources close to the player told AS that the contract actually runs until 2028, leaving him with two years remaining.

For his part, the player remains calm and confident that this latest operation will finally resolve the issue. Those close to him are optimistic about his recovery and believe he could return to training with the rest of the squad by the end of August if everything goes according to plan.

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