As reports that the club has no intention of forcing the issue, even with José Mourinho building a settled pairing elsewhere in that position. The 31-year-old is working his way back from hamstring surgery undergone in May and could rejoin full training as soon as September, with those close to the player firmly denying reports that he could be sidelined for up to a year.
Real Madrid's own medical staff had initially pencilled in a more cautious four-to-five month recovery window before easing that timeline as his rehabilitation progressed.
Whenever Mendy does return, he will find the left-back position transformed. Mourinho wants Álvaro Carreras and Marc Cucurella as his first-choice pairing there, and Real Madrid have backed that plan financially, paying Benfica €50 million for Carreras and around €55-60 million to prise Cucurella from Chelsea.
Fran García, meanwhile, has already departed Valdebebas for Real Betis this summer. Mendy's own injury record, littered with fitness setbacks since he joined from Olympique Lyonnais, only complicates his path back into Mourinho's plans.
Even so, As reports that Real Madrid have not opened talks with Mendy over a possible contract termination or sale, nor asked him to seek a new club. The Frenchman's recent injury history and current absence are seen internally as factors that would make any departure difficult to arrange in any case. With his contract running to June 2028, and no official word from the club on a new deal, Mendy could yet continue his spell in the Spanish capital regardless of the competition ahead of him.
That outcome would suit the player himself. Mendy has no intention of leaving Real Madrid and remains convinced that regaining full fitness will allow him to persuade Mourinho he still has a role to play, particularly in the club's biggest fixtures, where his defensive qualities could prove valuable.
Despite the crowded left side of Real Madrid's defence, the France international wants to fight for a place in the rotation rather than look elsewhere.