Real Madrid have NOT given up on signing Mbappe
Robin Bairner
- 9 Nov 2023 01:10 CST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid have not given up on signing Kylian Mbappe from PSG, despite reports that broke to the contrary on Wednesday.
Mbappe’s contract continues to run down with the Ligue 1 champions, and though he is not rushing to agree terms with another club, his future at Parc des Princes once again appears to be in the balance after a similar situation rose in 2022.
On that occasion, Madrid were burned by the 24-year-old forward, who elected to sign another two-year PSG deal, and though there is no guarantee that the same scenario will play out this time, there is some caution from the Spaniards.
MORE: PSG chief Al-Khelaifi breaks silence on Real Madrid's Mbappe statement
Nevertheless, the news that Real Madrid had given up on Mbappe, which was broken by Cadena SER on Wednesday, came as a surprise – and little wonder given Los Blancos’ obsession with the player in recent seasons. It is also abundantly clear that they need a centre forward in their squad.
Indeed, the leak in this case came directly from Real Madrid, making the station’s source well founded, according to RMC, yet equally Los Blancos were protecting themselves. Why? Simple because they want to protect their image should Mbappe turn them down once again.
MORE: Real Madrid’s Plan B if they fail to sign Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe transfer latest
What Mbappe will do next is entirely unclear at this stage, and ultimately the decision will be his to make.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking to protect their reputation by leaking this news while they are also encouraging the forward to make an effort if he really wants to sign for them.
But there is also some fire behind this smoke: there are certain members of the Spanish side’s hierarchy who are in favour of giving up on the player. The image of Mbappe has deteriorated in the behind the scenes and there is pressure to retain their salary structure and policy of signing players under the age of 23.
And yet Real Madrid remains a possibility for the forward, with president Florentino Perez open the welcoming Mbappe, whose contract expires on 30 June, 2024, making him eligible to hold transfer talks with foreign clubs as early as 1 January.
