Diego Simeone opines on Mbappe to Real Madrid links: “I would love it”

Speaking in an interview with AS, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that he would love to see Kylian Mbappe join arch-rivals Real Madrid this summer as it would elevate the quality and level of La Liga.

Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid once again this summer and there is a feeling that the operation could speed up over the coming week.

And Simeone insists that the Frenchman’s arrival will happen either this year or next year and will be a big positive for La Liga.

I would love it, it would be extraordinary for La Liga, to ensure it remains among the best. All footballers who come to Spain are a boost,” Simeone said.

“Madrid has no economic problem to afford it. Surely if not this year, the following year we will be competing against him.”

When asked if Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid will make it more difficult for Atletico to win La Liga, the Argentine manager replied:

“Depending on how you look at it. We’ve won a league against Messi, Iniesta, Alexis, Xavi, Busquets… Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema… It’s football, not names.”

Moving forward, Simeone also went on to praise the recruitment strategy of Los Blancos, highlighting their ability to identify and invest in top young talents.

“Madrid, after years of being more careful with their signings, have now turned to bringing in young players and they always choose well, especially with players like Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius who went through the youth academy,” Simeone stated.

“With significant financial resources, they have focused on youngsters with a huge future, they have brought in Bellingham, Mbappe could come… Madrid work very well in these areas.”

As far as Mbappe is concerned, the operation to cost the Frenchman is likely to cost Real Madrid around €230-250 million and it remains to be seen whether it actually goes through now or next year when he becomes a free agent.