Romano reveals the TRUTH behind Mbappe to Real Madrid and what’s next for PSG ace
Robin Bairner
- 19 Sept 2023 09:30 BST
- 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on what went on behind the scenes during Kylian Mbappe’s summer, when PSG fought to keep the striker from Real Madrid.
Mbappe’s decision to refuse to take up the option of a one-year extension in his PSG contract sparked fury at Parc des Princes, prompting the 24-year-old to be frozen out of much of the club’s preseason and sparking huge transfer interest in the player.
Although the France star remains a PSG player, speculation remains rife over his future, with Real Madrid heavily linked with a move for the attacker as a free agent next summer.
MORE: Messi out to torch Mbappe dream
Romano has revealed exactly what went on with Mbappe and just how strained his relationship with the Ligue 1 champions became.
“In July, Mbappe as well as his mother and those close to him absolutely did not speak to Nasser Al-Khelaifi,” Romano told Bobo TV. “It was a heavy summer.
“Then in August, Mbappe agreed not to take the famous loyalty bonus inserted in his contract renewal. Every year, he take a sum which would have been around €85-90 million, just to simply stay at PSG as part of this incredible renewal agreement signed just a year ago, when he was really very close to joining Real Madrid.
“He gives up this bonus in exchange for being able to play regularly for PSG. Because until that moment, Mbappe had been excluded from the squad, not training with the first team and not going on tour.
REVEALED: How Real Madrid can RE-SIGN wonderkid for just €33m
“What was the problem? That Real Madrid simply did not want to sign him this summer.
“Real Madrid, on principle after what happened last summer, and in my opinion this has always been their position, they want to sign him on their terms, that is to say free without paying any transfer compensation to PSG.”
Will Mbappe join Real Madrid next summer?
Romano believes that the summer of 2024 will finally be the time that Mbappe hooks up with Los Blancos.
“Mbappe could stay at PSG but from what I hear, I think that next summer we are heading towards this scenario whether via a release clause or as a free agent as most likely will happen, that his end destination will be Real Madrid,” he said.
Mbappe has seven goals in four appearances for PSG this season and will enter the Champions League on Tuesday with a home match against Borussia Dortmund.
