Real Madrid News
Mbappe pledges future to PSG amid Real Madrid links: “I’ll be here next season”
It is no secret Real Madrid hold Kylian Mbappe in high regard. The French star was even close to becoming the club’s marquee signing and bannerman last summer but the move collapsed in the nth minute.
With Paris Saint-Germain once again falling short in the UEFA Champions League, there could be some notable departures in June. While Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr are close to leaving, talks of Real Madrid moving for Mbappe again had surfaced.
Los Blancos are eyeing a massive haul in June. Reports earlier this month stated that the Merengues aimed to sign Jude Bellingham, Alphonso Davies, and Mbappe in the same transfer window.
The Frenchman recently spoke about his future at the UNFP awards, and addressed the rumours linking him with an exit from PSG. With no hesitation, Mbappe pledged his loyalty to the French club for next season.
“I’m happy with the decision I made last year. My contract has one more year and I’ll be here [PSG] next season,” he said (h/t L’Equipe).
Mbappe was directly quizzed on Real Madrid’s interest in signing him and the chance to complete what he has maintained was his dream. The youngster gave nothing away, saying: “I’m here to talk about the trophy, nothing more.”
In 33 Ligue 1 games this season, the French forward has scored 28 goals and provided five assists. Further, he averages 1.6 key passes per game and has created 16 big chances.
While Mbappe might be remaining at PSG for the next season, his contract with the club expires in 2024 and he is understood to be unwilling to trigger the one-year extension in his deal. As such, Real Madrid could sign him for free in the summer of next year.
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.
