REAL MADRID
When will Real Madrid sign Kylian Mbappé?
In France it is being said that Mbappé himself must make the first move in order to be sold - something that PSG are in a rush to do.
For a few months now, ever since June 12, Kylian Mbappé's future has been the number one news item in French sports media. On that day, the striker, through a letter sent to the PSG HQ, made known his decision not to take up the unilateral contract extension until 2025, a clause which expired on July 31.
Since then, there has been plenty to talk about, but the fact is that, on August 8, the striker is still a PSG first-team player. He is also a part of the ‘unwanted’ group within the squad, a pack of players exiled from the main setup and forced to train away from the rest. Last Monday, for example, Mbappé came in for a morning session while the first team had their post-Japan tour training in the afternoon.
Transfer rumour:
PSG have tried to make Mbappé react
Right now, in France, given the impasse, there is one scenario being suggested that could well unblock the situation: a gesture from Mbappé, public and undeniable, one that ‘activates’ Real Madrid, the team who have so far watched everything from the sidelines in silence.
Al Khelaïfi and Qatar have done the impossible in order to get a reaction from Mbappé, but the player has not flinched despite the treatment. The first poke of the bear was the July 15 ultimatum, after that, leaving him out of the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. Now, they have sent him to train with the exiles and are threatening him to either sign a deal, leave, or spend a season in the stands. Mbappé, however, remains unperturbed.
Publicly declaring his desire to stay at PSG could well be, or not, a strategy designed by the player’s elite communications department. If at any moment so far during the summer, the player had made known his wish to leave the French club, he would have lost his €40 million loyalty bonus which was paid to him on August 1.
PSG have a history of player exile
PSG are in a rush to sell. On Saturday, Mbappé will not play against Lorient in Luis Enrique’s competitive debut as manager. Sources at the club indicate that it will be a hugely important day to put pressure on the player, and the ultras, the ones that carry a significant weight at the club, will publicly show themselves to be on the side of the badge, not the player.
Something similar to this happened back in 2019, when Neymar wanted to return to FC Barcelona. Al Khelaïfi kept him out of action until the end of the transfer market and the ultras insulted him at the ground, something that has been forgotten about over time. That year, Neymar led the side to their first - and so far only - Champions League final.
PSG’s decision to leave Mbappé out of the squad for the start of the league campaign does not have to oblige the player to change his mind. He is still owed the second €40 million instalment of his €80 million loyalty fee and €60 million from his renewal bonus which was spread out to comply with FFP.
Real Madrid have not made a move... yet
As told by AS, Madrid are silently waiting in the wings during all of this, and there has been no negotiations with neither the French club nor the player: and the position of Los Blancos is that things will continue to stay as they are. However, it is seen as unlikely in France that the player will stick to his current plan of action, as the last time he spoke to the media was in June, when he said he was “very happy” with the decision taken to finish his contract at PSG.
If Mbappé continues to be a PSG player on September 3, when the window closes, he must be reintegrated back into the first team. His rights are protected by the French Players’ Union (UNFP), as well as the league and French Football Federation. He could even go to court, something which Ben Arfa did against PSG - and won. Another potential situation could be that Luis Enrique calls Mbappé up to the squad, however this is seen as extremely unlikely.
Despite the fact that Mbappé himself has not made any gesture to wiggle out of PSG, his family and those around him moved last week to analyse a potential exit. The only offer that could make him change his mind, despite his public declaration to stay at PSG, is one from Real Madrid. But, just as Mbappé himself is doing, Real Madrid too are standing firm.
Video - PSG store employee seen removing Mbappé shirts:
