Osasuna confirms the Real Madrid player who has slipped away from them in recent days

Osasuna has been one of the breakout teams in the First Division in recent seasons. They have gone from being a team destined to fight to avoid relegation to looking toward Europe. In fact, this season they came within a step of being able to play in the Conference.

A large part of the credit for this positive trend goes to Braulio Vázquez, sporting director of the rojillo squad. He was very close to securing the signing of a Real Madrid player, but they missed out. We are referring to Gonzalo García, who admitted as much in an interview on COPE.

"I wanted him many months ago, I was in Madrid and we wanted him" he said about the attempt they made. It was at the beginning of last season, but since then his performance has only improved. That has led Braulio to accept reality and he admits that "I knew he wasn't in our range."

Gonzalo has truly broken out in the final part of the season with appearances in the first team. First, he scored a goal against Leganés in the Copa del Rey and then with the Club World Cup. Osasuna acknowledge that "with the level he's showing, he's out of our market."

He earns his place in the first team

It seemed that Gonzalo was leaving for the United States to train under Xabi Alonso. However, with Endrick injured and Mbappé ill, his big opportunity arrived. He made it into the starting eleven against Al Hilal and since then, there has been no way to take him out.

In 3 matches, he has managed to score 2 goals, provide one assist, and leave a great impression. He hasn't stopped running, his pressing has been key to recovering many balls, and he has done a great job. To such an extent that Xabi Alonso is starting to consider him as his striker.

The Tolosa native wanted to sign a pure "9" and although Gonzalo isn't one, he has earned his spot. Real Madrid could block any move so he stays in the first team. The coach has already shown that he's delighted with that possibility.