Will Real Madrid have to sell players to be able to sign Kylian Mbappé?

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has given an interview to French newspaper L’Équipe, in which he was asked about Real Madrid’s signing of Kylian Mbappé. The France captain’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season was confirmed last week, with Tebas now claiming “there is a 99% chance he will sign for Real Madrid,” although he couldn’t say for certain if a deal had already been completed.

The Spanish league chief also had praise for how Los Blancos had balanced the books to be able to afford Mbappé, who Tebas says they will be able to sign without having to sell of their current stars or worry about breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

Mbappé signing “great news for Spanish soccer”

Mbappé's move to Real Madrid: “Now we know that he is leaving PSG, there is a 99% chance that Mbappé will sign for Real Madrid. But I don’t know if he’s already signed.”

Is Mbappé signing for Real Madrid good news for Spanish soccer?: “Of course, it is great news for Real Madrid and for Spanish soccer. He is one of the best players in the world. From my point of view, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Mbappé are the three leading players on the planet, and two of them play for Real Madrid.”

Tebas’ comments on Real Madrid, Mbappé and Financial Fair Play

Do Real Madrid have space on their wage bill for Mbappé?: “Yes, Real Madrid are in an optimal financial situation. The president and the general manager are very good at managing their club, but they are very bad when they want to organize new competitions (referring to the European Super League). When it comes to finances, they are very reactive. At the moment, their financial results are very good and they could spend much more than they do. Madrid have been very prudent financially and have been preparing for the signing of Mbappé.”

Will Real Madrid be forced to sell players if they sign Mbappé?: “No. Their strategy is not a short-term one. They don’t have to sell anyone to be able to afford Mbappé. Absolutely not.”

Tebas “delighted” with Mbappé's move to Real Madrid

Have you spoken to (Real Madrid president) Florentino Pérez about Mbappé?: “He hasn’t spoken to me in three years. But I’m delighted that they’ve signed Mbappé. And I’d like to take advantage of this interview to let it be known that I am delighted that Real Madrid are making these types of signings to build a team of such stature.”

Will Mbappé help La Liga develop?: “Signing great players is a boost, but it is not essential. Of course, it’s better to have big names. Having coaches like José Mourinho or Pep Guardiola is useful. But players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Lionel Messi have left and the league continues to do very well. However, Mbappé will help us to consolidate everything we have already achieved in the coming years.”

A big loss for Ligue 1: “Although it has its flaws, PSG have built a brand in the last 10 years. Ligue 1 still needs to work more on its brand. In the short term, Mbappé's departure is not good news, but the strategy of the LFP (Professional Football League) must be thought about in the medium and long term.”