Real Madrid News
Mbappe coy on future amid Real Madrid links following PSG’s Champions League exit
On Wednesday night, PSG suffered yet another Round of 16 exit from the UEFA Champions League as Bayern Munich secured a 3-0 aggregate win over the French champions to send them packing from the tournament.
This comes as yet another blow to the expensively-assembled PSG side who could now face a battle to keep hold of their top stars after yet another failure in Europe.
Neymar seems to be set for an exit while Lionel Messi’s contract expires in the summer. And Kylian Mbappe continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid even though he signed a new contract only last year.
Indeed, after flirting with Real Madrid over a possible free transfer, the French superstar ended up signing a new two-year contract with Les Parisiens which expires in 2024.
While the deal has the option to extend by another twelve months, the player needs to green-light the activation. In case Mbappe does not, he could be available this summer as he would be in the final year of his contract or could depart as a free agent in 2024.
Following the defeat to Bayern last night, Mbappe was asked about his future in Paris and whether the UCL exit changes things for him. In response, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner appeared coy, as he said (h/t RMC Sport):
“Am I thinking about my future? No, no, I’m calm, said Mbappé. The only thing that matters to me this season is winning the championship. Afterwards, we’ll see.”
Despite being burnt by the Frenchman once already, Real Madrid remain interested in securing his services and will be involved in his pursuit this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Mbappe angles for a move away from Parc des Princes this summer after yet another failure in Europe or decides to hang around for another year at which point he could be able to leave as a free agent.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
