Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid next summer either via a clause or for free – Romano
Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra) has said that Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe has decided not to receive his annual loyalty bonus from Paris Saint-Germain to play for the team for one more year.
The journalist adds that according to his sources, the French World Cup winner is certain to join Real Madrid next summer, either via a clause or for free.
PSG want extension, but Mbappe reluctant
After days of hustle and constant back and forth, Mbappe ended up staying at PSG. Right now, it must be noted that although the player has decided to stay for another year, he still has not signed a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions.
Furthermore, although they did have an option for another year, Mbappe has already confirmed that he will not be taking up that extension.
As such, PSG are still at risk of losing the Frenchman for free which is why talks are ongoing for a new contract. Now, it will not be a full-fledged deal, to say the least, as they only want to avoid a free transfer to Real Madrid.
What’s with the bonus
Following his letter to the PSG officials during the summer transfer window, Mbappe found himself in the thick of things. He wasn’t included in the training contingent for the pre-season tour and was also barred from the first-team training.
However, he was soon welcomed back into the first-team fold. As far as his loyalty bonus is concerned, he only gave it up because he wanted to play for PSG this season.
“Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappé before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into first team training squad this morning,” read a statement from PSG.
On the other hand, if he ends up signing a new contract with PSG, it will include a clause that will allow him to move to Madrid next summer, although for a certain fee. However, if he does not, a free transfer to Madrid will transpire anyway.
As of today, the player continues to be in PSG’s ranks, but Madrid are expected to approach the player next summer. In fact, they will try to establish contacts by January only in order to persuade him to sign for them for free.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
