AliousBrighton Eye Real Madrid Youngster as January Transfer Battle Heats Up
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly setting their sights on one of Real Madrid’s brightest academy products, with 21-year-old forward **Gonzalo Garcia** emerging as a potential target ahead of the January transfer window.
Garcia’s rise has been rapid. After lighting up the Club World Cup in the summer under new boss Xabi Alonso, the young Spaniard drew global attention by scoring 25 goals for Real Madrid Castilla last season. His impressive form continued at the US-hosted Club World Cup, where he netted four goals and added an assist against top clubs like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Hilal, guiding Real Madrid to the semi-finals before they were beaten heavily by PSG.
However, despite this breakthrough, Garcia has barely featured for Real Madrid’s first team this season. He has started just one of their first 12 La Liga games, stuck behind an elite attacking lineup that includes Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and newcomer Franco Mastantuono. His limited minutes have not gone unnoticed across Europe.
According to the Daily Mail, Brighton are among several clubs monitoring his situation, with the Seagulls making early inquiries about a possible January loan if Madrid decide to temporarily offload the forward for development. The report also notes that Sunderland and Leeds United showed interest in Garcia during the summer, but Brighton are now believed to be among the most serious admirers of the Spain U21 international.
When asked about his future, Garcia insisted he is committed to succeeding at the Bernabéu. Speaking to Marca, he said staying at Real Madrid has always been his “only option,” describing playing for the club he supported as a child as “a dream” despite the fierce competition for game time.
Madrid’s decision may hinge on whether their attacking depth is compromised by injuries before January and whether they believe a loan spell would accelerate Garcia’s development.
Brighton, meanwhile, continue to build a reputation as a prime destination for elite young talent. They have already integrated two teenage attackers this season—Stefanos Tzimas (19) and Charalampos Kostoulas (18)—while veteran striker Danny Welbeck remains first choice under Fabian Hürzeler.
With Garcia’s future increasingly uncertain, a January move is edging closer—and Brighton appear ready to test Real Madrid’s resolve.
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