REAL MADRID
Real Madrid change stance over Mbappé signing
The idea of Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé moving to the Spanish giants has been on the cards for years, but the outlook from Madrid has shifted.
In 17 days, on 1 January, 2024, the market once again enters the ‘Mbappé zone’. It’s the moment when Kylian can legally negotiate with any team he wishes. In this equation, Real Madrid is obviously the other major variable. The stance of the club is clear and firm, as understood internally. This differs from the past attitude, where the Bondy native was seen as the cornerstone for building the project.
However, events have altered the approach to this potential signing. In 2022, when everything was set for his arrival, Mbappé made a sudden change of direction. This time, the context is different. Mbappé, yes, but not at any cost.
Mbappé's importance has changed for Madrid
The player’s quality is indisputable and current, with 18 goals this season, and his media impact is titanic. Therefore, the plan to acquire him in the Spanish capital remains active. As AS reported, Real Madrid’s offensive will indeed start in the New Year. That’s when they will make their move, when Mbappé, along with his mother and agent Fayza Lamari, will receive the club’s contract proposal.
However, after the experience of 2022, they seek a definitive response before a stated deadline of 15 January. It’s understood internally that this is sufficient time for Kylian to decide if he wants to play for Los Blancos. This approach also ensures that the planning for the 2024-25 season isn’t affected and allows for the necessary movements for backup plans, which include, for example, Erling Haaland.
Mbappé 2025, but not quite
Here is where the firmness on Madrid’s side comes in. The series of events since that photo of Kylian posing at Parc des Princes, wearing a jersey with a symbolic 2025 printed on it, have strengthened Madrid’s position of power. Firstly, that ‘2025′.
Out of respect for PSG, Mbappé agreed to pose in such a manner, but he was aware that the ‘plus one’ in his two-year renewal wouldn’t be as it seemed. He wanted the freedom to choose his future in 2024, and now he will have it. As in 2022, but now other factors have strengthened Madrid’s position in this endless signing saga: the growth of Vinicius and Rodrygo, along with the resounding success of Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo: Madrid’s new horizon
In just the opening matches (19 with 16 goals), Jude has confirmed, and even exceeded, the reports that urged Madrid to pursue his signing. Vini, who dominates the left wing that Kylian aspires to occupy, has evolved into the “most decisive player in the world”, in the words of his boss Carlo Ancelotti on several occasions. Meanwhile, Rodrygo has emerged as a game-changing player after a hesitant start (nine goals and six assists this season). A quick look at Transfermarkt, for what it’s worth, shows the global regard for the trio.
Mbappé and Haaland are regarded as the most valuable in the world (c.$190 million), but Vinicius and Bellingham follow with c.$160 million. And you only have to look down to tenth place, to find Rodrygo valued at over $100 million. A year and a half ago, Jude wasn’t at the club, nor were the Brazilian duo operating at their current level.
From 1 January, the storm will unleash, but it will do so under parameters in which Real Madrid can operate comfortably. On Paseo de la Castellana, the operation is viewed with patience. Mbappé's talent and the quality leap he would bring to the squad are not overlooked, but, unlike before, the potential signing is not seen as an urgent and vital measure.
It’s going to be interesting...