Real Madrid Plans Contract Termination for Injury-Plagued Mendy After Cucurella Signing

Real Madrid is exploring the possibility of terminating Ferland Mendy's contract this summer, having secured the arrival of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for €60 million. The 31-year-old French defender's persistent injury problems have prompted the Spanish club to consider ending his deal early, similar to the approach used with Eden Hazard, rather than attempting to facilitate a transfer.

The Cucurella Effect and Squad Restructuring

Manager Jose Mourinho has identified Cucurella, the 27-year-old Chelsea left-back, as his primary defensive option on the left flank. With the signing now secured, Real Madrid has shifted focus to trimming the squad and reducing wage commitments. Both Mendy and fellow left-back Fran Garcia now find themselves in precarious positions, with neither player fitting into the club's immediate plans.

Cucurella represents the third major defensive addition of the summer transfer window, following the acquisitions of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. This aggressive recruitment strategy signals Mourinho's intention to reshape Real Madrid's defensive unit entirely.

Mendy's Injury Struggles

Since arriving from Olympique Lyon in 2019 for approximately €50 million, Mendy has endured an injury-riddled spell at the Bernabeu. The French international has suffered 24 major physical setbacks during his five years at the club, severely limiting his availability and consistency. His most recent injury required surgery in May, with medical projections suggesting he will not return to full fitness until November.

While Mendy remains highly respected for his defensive capabilities, the uncertainty surrounding his fitness has deterred potential buyers. At his current gross salary of approximately €9 million annually, terminating his contract would allow Real Madrid to reduce financial obligations while freeing the player to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Whether both parties will agree to such an arrangement remains uncertain.