Real Madrid’s anticipation grows as Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe appears to be inching closer to a potential move to the Spanish capital.
A source close to Ligue 1 champions revealed on Thursday that the 25-year-old France captain has notified PSG officials of his intention to depart at the end of his contract in the upcoming summer.
Madrid holds the leading position to secure the signing of a player they pursued multiple times before, despite previous rejections. When approached for comment, they chose not to provide a statement.
According to Spanish media, Madrid’s current offer to Mbappe is less than what was presented in 2022 when he chose to extend his contract with PSG. Cadena SER reports that he is seeking a gross annual salary of 50 million euros ($54 million) and a substantial signing-on bonus of 120 million euros.
Marca reported that Mbappe has conveyed to club executives “his exclusive desire to play for Real Madrid.” The source added that he notified the Spanish giants about his decision to depart from PSG on Tuesday, 48 hours before it was disclosed by a source close to PSG.
As Madrid’s accountants grapple with the numbers and the potential impact on financial fair play, fans and local media are beginning to envision the possibilities.
“The countdown has started,” wrote Marca earlier in the day.
“Seven years later everything points to Mbappe’s arrival being a reality from July 1.”
In 2017, Mbappe had the opportunity to join Madrid from Monaco but opted for PSG, possibly influenced by the challenge of displacing Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, or Karim Benzema from the attacking lineup.
Now he could lead the line alongside Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
“That would be perfect,” Luis Caceres, the president of Real Madrid’s fan club federation said.
“He’s the best player in the world, that’s undeniable. We’ve seen him play and we know what he can do, he’s a great player.”
Despite not having won the Champions League yet, Mbappe might still encounter the 14-time record winners, Madrid, in this year’s competition.
Spanish newspaper AS say Madrid will “keep silent” on Mbappe while the two sides are still competing in Europe.
Last year, a Real Madrid fan successfully enticed club president Florentino Perez into dropping a hint about Mbappe’s future.
Enrique Higueras,22, encountered Perez outside a restaurant and inquired whether he would bring Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Yes, but not this year,” replied Perez.
A student specializing in sports science, Higueras, said that he is confident Mbappe will thrive upon his arrival.
“I am sure that he will play at Madrid and make history,” said Higueras.
“I don’t think Madrid needs Mbappe to win the Champions League… but obviously if Mbappe joins then the chances of winning that precious trophy go up a lot.”
Yet, certain fans still remember Mbappe’s rejection and perceived disrespect. Oscar Movellan Martinez, a 42-year-old business consultant and self-proclaimed “huge fan” of Madrid, expressed his dissatisfaction with Mbappe seemingly taunting Los Blancos after extending his PSG contract.
“What happened in 2022 I can understand, for the pressure the kid received… in the media all the way up to (French president Emmanuel) Macron,” said Movellan.
“What I didn’t like was the attitude after… I understand that he might have been pressured to renew with PSG when he wanted to come to Madrid, but I don’t understand his reaction.”
If Mbappe does join Madrid in the summer then it may take a few goals from PSG’s all-time top scorer to smooth things over.
“I think the fans at the Bernabeu will have a bit of bitterness at the start, but look — it’s a fanbase that even whistled (Zinedine) Zidane back in the day,” added Movellan.
Some are exercising caution and refraining from placing trust in Mbappe’s potential move until it is officially confirmed.
“Until I see him sign, I won’t believe it, after what happened in 2022,” added Caceres.
