Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe confirms he will stay at PSG amid Real Madrid links
Kylian Mbappe has once again emerged as a talked-about figure within the Real Madrid camp following recent speculations suggesting that the forward is unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain and wants to push through for an exit in the upcoming January transfer window.
There are also talks of the Frenchman trying to buy himself out of the contract he signed during the summer, in an attempt to make himself available in the market.
Real Madrid had reportedly emerged as the priority for Mbappe, who had snubbed the European champions, not more than a few months ago.
However, Mbappe has reacted to his exit rumours for the first time recently and has publicly denied these speculations linking him to a move away from PSG.
“I have not asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain in January. I’m not furious with the club, it’s not true”, he told RMC Sport (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Mbappe’s comments came just after PSG’s win over Marseille, where Neymar’s goal was the only difference between the two sides. It also comes amid rumours suggesting Real Madrid has no interest in signing the forward.
After the decision to snub them in the summer, it appears Los Blancos have built some resentment towards Mbappe. They are also questioning the mentality and attitude of the Frenchman and believe his potential arrival could disrupt the harmony of the dressing room.
Therefore, the likelihood of Mbappe joining Real Madrid remains close to none, for the time being. The Spanish giants, though, are certainly angling towards a move for Erling Haaland. They are more than willing to play a waiting game, with the forward reportedly having a release clause that can be activated in the summer of 2024.
According to MARCA, Eder Militao is seen as the undisputed leader of the Real Madrid defence, thanks to his ‘impeccable’ level of performances. The 25-year-old’s standing in the team has forced a duel between David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger for the second centre-back slot.
Militao arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, joining from FC Porto in a deal worth €50 million. While he made a slow start to life in Spain, the Brazilian slowly grew in stature from his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the exits of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Militao established himself as a permanent fixture in the backline for the Merengues and was a standout performer last season as they won the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The 25-year-old has carried on in the same vein of form this season as well, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid, even chipping in with six goals.
The Brazilian international is seen as one of the best centre-backs in the world currently, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sharing that opinion.
“I may lose credibility if I say Vinicius and Militão are the best striker and defender in the world respectively but it’s the truth. I am honest. Militão lacks nothing,” he had said last month.
Militao is not only viewed as the leader of the Real Madrid defence, but has also grown into a leader within the locker room as well, with the player being loved and fully supported by his teammates.
Militao’s presence has meant that Alaba and Rudiger have had to battle it out for the lone centre-back slot. The former had enjoyed a stunning season last time out after joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, but has struggled with injuries and fitness problems this term.
As for Rudiger, the German arrived last summer from Chelsea and started out slow, but has grown in confidence and stature, especially in recent months. So much so that, his signing is already being regarded as a success within the club.
In Militao, Real Madrid undoubtedly have a long-term fixture at the heart of the defence. But with Rudiger and Alaba in their thirties, the Merengues must look to bring in one more player who can take over from them in the near future and can form a partnership with Militao.
