Real Madrid confirm Fran Garcia's return from Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid have confirmed that they have re-signed Spanish defender Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano.

The 23-year-old was in strong form for Rayo during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 40 occasions in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering three assists in the process.

Last month, Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Garcia would be re-joining the capital giants during this summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid have now officially confirmed the left-back's signature, with Garcia returning to Bernabeu after three years away from the club, one of which was on loan.

"A product of our youth academy, the left-back joins the first team after playing more minutes than any other footballer in last season's LaLiga," read a statement on Real Madrid's official website.

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"Fran Garcia (Bolanos de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, 14/08/1999) has joined Real Madrid. The left-back returns to the club where he spent seven seasons after a three-year stint at Rayo Vallecano, where he has amassed experience (72 games in the Primera Division) and has become one of the league's top defenders."

The Spaniard made 122 appearances during his time at Rayo, scoring five goals and registering eight assists in the process.

"He's a left-back with real energy and he's so quick with the ball. He plays out very well and he's got great attributes for us. He'll be with us next year," Ancelotti told reporters last month when confirming that the defender would return to Bernabeu.

Garcia joined Real Madrid in 2013, progressing through their various age groups before making his first-team debut in December 2018, but he primarily featured for Real Madrid Castilla during his time at the club.

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Los Blancos have not confirmed a transfer fee, but it is understood that the club have triggered a buy-back clause which was included in the deal that took him to Rayo in the summer of 2021.

The buy-back clause is said to be €10m (£8.7m), but Ancelotti's said will only pay €5m (£4.4m) due to a 50% sell-on clause.

Real Madrid are believed to be willing to sell Ferland Mendy during this summer's transfer window, which could lead to another left-back arriving alongside Garcia.

Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is currently being linked with a move to Bernabeu, as the Canada international's contract talks with the Bundesliga champions have stalled.

Real Madrid are also on the verge of confirming the arrival of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, with the capital giants winning the race to sign the England international.