Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe issues clear update on future amid Real Madrid links
Paris-Saint Germain’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16 stage once again flared up transfer talks involving all their superstar forwards. Needless to say, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was one of the most widely speculated topics.
The French forward has publicly admitted to being a Real Madrid fan on multiple occasions and has made his dream of eventually signing for the club well-known.
However, he recently ruled out the possibility of it happening in the coming transfer window in an interview as revealed by GOAL.
“The next step? Winning the Champions League. I have already made a final, semi-final, quarter-final, and round of 16. I have done everything but win. That’s all I need. Where do I want to do it? In Paris. I’m a Parisian and under contract. So it’s PSG.”
Los Blancos have spent many a window in the pursuit of the French superstar but his outright rejection of their offer last summer was the final cog.
Real Madrid dropped their interest in him after he renewed his contract in Paris and insist that any interest should come from the player’s side.
Real Madrid will instead go for the signing of Jude Bellingham in the summer, and with only two sides left in the race, the chances are high. Any surplus funds will be used to sign reinforcements for positions of priority like the left-back and centre-forward.
The Frenchman has scored 19 goals and provided three assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season and has been one of Christophe Galtier’s MVPs.
Though Lionel Messi and Neymar could move away from Parc des Princes in June, the youngster wishes to stay and take the club to new heights, at least for the next season.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG runs until the summer of 2024, and it seems clear that there will be no effort from Real Madrid to sign him until then.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Kane, Fran Garcia, Ceballos ahead of Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that club captain Karim Benzema is ready to play his side’s last league game against Athletic Club while also citing that one must not forget that the Frenchman still has one more year left on his current deal.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s final game of the 2022/23 season, the manager spoke on several aspects, including the team’s transfer plans, Benzema’s future and his own continuity.
When asked about Benzema, the manager said (h/t SPORT), “Benzema is ready to play tomorrow, he’s recovered.” He went on to add, “I agree with Benzema. Internet is not the reality. He has another year on his contract. I think it’s clear.”
At the same time, he subsequently admitted that Benzema is mostly on his way out. “The legends of this club have to retire at Real Madrid. This is what I believe and what the club believes. But the player maybe doesn’t think the same.”
In terms of the squad for the upcoming game, he mentioned, “We want to say goodbye to our fans. They’re all ready to play. Only Mariano won’t be there, the others are fine. We want to finish in the best possible way. Then we’ll rest and prepare for next season.”
Meanwhile, Benzema’s potential departure would mean Madrid will look to sign a new number 9. In this regard, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is said to be on the list and while addressing the same, the Italian said,
“Harry Kane? I’m sure you all are curious to see what will happen next season. But Kane is a Tottenham player and we have to respect this.”
He went on to add, “I think we’re going to have a different squad [next season]. There are players whose contracts are running out, but it will be a competitive squad and one that makes me very excited.”
Furthermore, the manager also confirmed that he will be at Real Madrid next season. “I’m happy at Real Madrid. No problems with the club. I’m very happy to continue and we will try to do better next season.”
Madrid’s main man also went on to admit that he cannot make everyone in the squad happy.
“It is true that some have had little prominence, but I have tried to keep all the players motivated. It is impossible to keep them all happy. Sometimes you have to put up with that discontent from the players. I feel that there are some who have played very little.”
Speaking about the plan for the next season, he added, “Next year’s squad will be very competitive. Obviously there are contracts that expire and there will be different players. But it will be competitive.”
“Yes, it’s true — Fran García will be our first signing,” Ancelotti confirmed, but refused to talk about Brahim Diaz’s potential arrival.
“Brahim Díaz? I can’t say anything on him right now, I can’t comment…”.
He also revealed that the likes of Nacho and Dani Ceballos will decide their own fate. “They know what we think of them. I think they have everything very clear. They are waiting for the end of the season to decide what they want to do. Everything is in their hands.”
When asked about Brahim Diaz, he simply said, “I can’t talk about him right now.”
Lastly, when asked how much would he rate the 2022/23 season, he said, “It’s difficult to rate yourself. What I can say is that it’s been a very long season. We’ve worked hard and sometimes I haven’t always been able to transmit a very high level of motivation.
“It’s not It’s easy to motivate every three days. I’ve given everything I could give. I put myself on a positive note, but next year I’m going to do better,” he concluded.
