Rivaldo: Real Madrid target Mbappé not worth 280 million
Rivaldo has said the 280-million-euro price tag on Mbappé is exaggerated and criticised the modern market for the pressure put on players.
Brazil legend Rivaldo has said that that the speculated 280 million euro that Real Madrid are willing to offer PSG for Kylian Mbappé is over-inflated, claiming there is no player in the world worth such a price tag.
“These days I read in the French press that the transfer of Mbappé to Madrid could cost 280 million. To pay a figure like that for any player is an exaggeration. Not even Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar are worth 280 million,” said the former Barcelona striker in an interview for Betfair.
“I’m not questioning his talent as a footballer. I’m just saying that there is no player to justify such an investment. But the law of the market is what it is and the clubs with the greatest financial potential flex their muscle to have the best players on their team. That will surely happen with Real Madrid next summer after the loss of quality with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Rivaldo: Inflated price tags putting pressure on players
The Betfair ambassador also criticized the modern market, arguing that the enormous price tags put on players is adding to the enormous pressure on their shoulders.
"I am convinced that some players do not think they should cost so much but try to justify it in each game because of pressure from the club, the press, the fans,” he said.
“That can sometimes torment you and does not allow you to get the best out of yourself. The high price of a transfer is always an extra pressure on your shoulder.”
Hazard would fill Ronaldo’s leadership role at Madrid
Rivaldo also commented on the possibility of Eden Hazard’s move to Madrid. The Chelsea star has been heavily linked with the LaLiga club and is widely tipped to make the switch to the Bernabéu in the summer. And Rivaldo believes the Belgian could come into fill the leadership role left void by Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Juventus last summer.
"It would be an incredible signing without a doubt. But not only because of how good he plays – because he is a star – but also because he is a leader,” explained the Brazilian. “Did you see what he did with Belgium in the World Cup? He would take on that role in Real Madrid, which would be important for the transition in the post-Christian era.”