- 4 hours ago
Mbappe ‘called Real Madrid to ask for transfer’ after PSG regrets
Kylian Mbappe called Real Madrid to apologise for rejecting them to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and asked if the Spanish club would be interested in signing him again.
Mbappe had an agreement to join Real but changed his mind and signed a last-minute extension at PSG that made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
The move infuriated Real and chairman Florentino Perez initially claimed that Mbappe would never be given another chance to play for them, however the forward reportedly contacted the club, informing him them that he regretted his decision to renew with PSG.
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A report by MARCA claims that the phone call at the end of the summer surprised Real, with Mbappe explaining his decision and claiming he was sorry for the choice he had made three months prior.
Real are believed to have softened their stance, declining to outright declare a desire to sign Mbappe but refusing to close the door on him either, with the club acknowledging that a move would be in their best sporting interests.
However, Real are understood to have told Mbappe that things would be different if a renewed move occurred, with the player having to ‘lower his expectations’ in all areas, including financially.
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Real are contemplating life after Karim Benezema, with the 35-year-old out of contract in the summer and looking increasingly likely to leave, amid a season plagued with injury.
The club have contemplated a move for Erling Haaland but Manchester City are likely unwilling to sell until his €200 million release clause is activated next summer.
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However, Real could make an approach for Mbappe after PSG’s exit from the Champions League, with the Frenchman unlikely to activate the option to renew his contract until 2025.
It would mean Mbappe has just 12 months left on his deal this summer and PSG may consider cashing in on the 24-year-old, although the French side have previously been unwilling to sell to Real, with Marca claiming they rejected three offers of up to €200m for him.
Mbappe has until the end of June to let PSG know if he will take up the option in his contract but, with the forward keen to join Real and Los Blancos in search of a new number nine, there could be another blockbuster transfer saga on the cards this summer.