(Football news) About a month after the transfer window shut down, There has been a more clear view on the Kylian Mbappe saga. There have been a lot of statements from Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, vice captain Karim Benzema, PSG director Leonardo Araujo and Mbappe himself regarding the failed transfer and the future of the player
Taking it all the way back to where it started way back in 2017, a 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe burst onto the scene with AS Monaco. Mbappe stood out within that amazing Monaco side that beat PSG to the Ligue 1 trophy and reached the UCL Semi Final. Mbappe was self admittedly a huge fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. After a very successful debut season with Monaco, Mbappe attracted a lot of attention from big European clubs.
The Frenchman rejected Real Madrid to join PSG on loan with an option to buy with the then PSG coach doing a lot of work to convince the Frenchman. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane wasn't ready to guarantee Mbappe a starting spot due to having a trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe later on went to say that he has always been a Paris boy and thought that leaving his family and his country at such a young age wasn't necessarily in his best interest.
Mbappe continued his outstanding on field performances with PSG winning various accolades with the interest from Real Madrid and the rumours never stopping. It was always believed that Kylian Mbappe was destined to play for Los Blancos. Every time Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was asked about Mbappe he would usually say things like 'Give it time' or 'He can wait'. Real Madrid even gave an official statement denying any reported contact with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. highlighting the clubs good relationship with PSG. The president of both the clubs are often seen together at social events and are considered to be friends. The relationship has taken a toll.
The summer of 2021 was when Real Madrid decided to act on the situation. Every report suggested that Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe both wanted the deal to go through but PSG did not want to let Mbappe go. The situation was fuelled because Mbappe's contract was running out in 2022 and the striker had rejected a renewal. All the rumours were confirmed by the PSG director who reiterated that Mbappe had asked to leave and there was an official bid from Madrid.
A PSG representative openly said that the starting offer from Real Madrid wasn't good enough because it was less than what PSG paid Monaco 4 years ago. PSG never officially rejected the offer and didn't even reply to Madrid's final bid of around €200 Million. Several close reports in the French national team said that Mbappe was left disappointed after the deal fell through. To make matters worse Nasser Al-Khelaïfi claimed that Mbappe had promised the club that he wouldn't leave for free.
Mbappe in a lengthy interview addressed all these things that he wanted to leave PSG to complete his dream of playing for Real Madrid. He also said that he mentioned it to the club in advance so that they can get a good transfer fee from him and sign a replacement. Mbappe didn't openly say that he would leave for free next summer but he did express annoyance at the comments about him promising PSG that he wouldn't leave for free.
The PSG president also said Mbappe doesn't have a reason to leave because he has a dream team around him with the arrival of Lionel Messi, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos. Mbappe replied to that by saying it is an honor to play with Messi but his arrival didn't and wouldn't change his decision. There has been footage of Mbappe not being happy after his teammates didn't pass him the ball which is not good news for the French club.
Karim Benzema in an interview said that Mbappe will play for Real Madrid one day. Florentino Perez was asked about the situation recently to which he said that there will be clearity by 1st January. PSG director Leonardo hit back at Perez and Benzema saying that the comments were utterly disrespectful to PSG and to Mbappe himself.
At this point Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid looks imminent. PSG have a history of exiling players who they don't want to sell or let go. Adrian Rabiot was kept out of the first team for an entire season after he refused to sign a contract. Rabiot eventually joined Juventus for free but after missing first team football for an entire year. PSG demanding respect is a bit of an irony for a club who keeps players against their wishes. Things could take a turn with reports from Paris claiming that PSG have a short term contract lined up with Mbappe which would make him the highest paid player in the history of football but Real Madrid's status, legacy and pull are usually bigger than any monetary value.
