Real Madrid will look to cull any transfer saga involving Kylian Mbappe this winter, as they prepare an offer with a set deadline on when to respond.
In one of the most prolonged stories of the 2022 summer window, Los Blancos looked set to sign the Paris Saint-Germain talisman only for him to snub their offer at the 11th hour in favour of an extended stay in the French capital. Mbappe signed a contract which was initially thought to be until 2025, before it was revealed that the last year of said deal was optional. As it stands, he is free to leave PSG for free in the summer of 2024, meaning he can negotiate with other clubs from January 1.
As a result, The Athletic reports that Real Madrid have re-ignited their interest in the 25-year-old – although they plan to approach the situation in a very different manner. To avoid the fiasco of many windows ago, which some within the club consider to be a “betrayal” on Mbappe’s part, the Spanish giants will make an offer with a set deadline. The talismanic forward will reportedly have until mid-January to accept, after which Real say they will cease their interest.
That won’t be the only difference in Real’s approach this time around. Continued construction work at the Santiago Bernabeu has tightened the club’s purse strings compared to a year-and-a-half ago, meaning Mbappe will likely be offered a reduced package. This, according to The Athletic, will ensure the club maintains their yearly profit goals, while also avoiding unrest within the dressing room over wage disputes.
Midfield duo Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni are just two examples of players who recently rejected better financial offers to join Madrid, something which Mbappe will have to agree to if he is to sign on next summer. PSG, for their part, will hope their superior financial package will keep the Frenchman at the Parc des Princes for years to come.
(Goal)
