Real Madrid News
Mbappe wants Real Madrid move ASAP, wishes to be the leader following Benzema’s exit
As the fallout continues from Kylian Mbappe’s decision to not renew with PSG, Le Parisien is now reporting that the 24-year-old superstar wants to move to Real Madrid and he hopes for the transfer to be completed as soon as possible.
Mbappe had been close to joining Los Blancos in the last two summer windows, but the transfer never materialised. However, with his contract expiring next year and his decision not to renew, PSG will be forced to sell him this year or risk losing him for nothing next year.
It has been reported that the French champions could demand a fee of €150 million for their superstar forward. Some outlets have also suggested that Les Parisiens would be unwilling to sell Mbappe to Real Madrid.
However, as per the report from Le Parisien, Mbappe wants only Real Madrid and is not interested in joining any other club.
The €180 million-rated superstar sees the opportunity to join the Merengues as unmissable following the departure of Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad. He wants to be the new leader of the team following his compatriot’s exit.
The report further adds that Real Madrid are ready to sign Mbappe and that contrary to previous reports, PSG will not stand in the way of his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
This is certainly a huge development and comes after Mbappe released an official statement via AFP confirming that he had informed PSG of his decision to not want to trigger a contract extension.
“I have never discussed a contract extension with PSG. The board has been informed since July 15th, 2022 of my decision not to extend beyond 2024, and the letter sent was only meant to confirm what I already told them.”
The stars seem to be aligning for Mbappe to join Real Madrid, which would make it a blockbuster summer for the Merengues, given that they have already secured the signings of Jude Bellingham, and Fran Garcia, and welcomed back Brahim Diaz.
As Carlo Ancelotti nears the expiry of his contract at Real Madrid, the search for a potential successor for the Italian tactician is starting to heat up.
The 64-year-old manager has been coy on his future, although reports suggest that he would be open to signing a new deal if offered.
At the same time, though, he is said to be taking over the reins of the Brazilian national team starting from the Copa America next summer.
Amidst this, several names have been linked with the managerial hotseat at Real Madrid for 2024.
Zinedine Zidane a possible candidate
And now, a report from France Bleu, there is a possibility that former manager and club legend Zinedine Zidane could return to Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti.
The iconic former midfielder has already had two stints as the manager of the Merengues, tasting great success in each of his spells.
Zidane stepped away from the role in 2021 due to some issues with the club hierarchy, although the relationship is understood to have been mended by now.
The former French international has already turned down approaches from the likes of Saudi Arabia and Brazil while he has also rejected a chance to coach Olympique Marseille.
Zidane would be open to managing Marseille if there is a change in ownership at the club, but at the same time, his return to Real Madrid is also a possibility.
Xabi Alonso the favourite
Despite there being a chance of Zidane returning, the report adds that at the moment it is another former Real Madrid midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who is the favourite to replace Ancelotti.
The current Bayer Leverkusen boss has done exceptionally well at the Bundesliga club over the past ten months or so, and has seemingly made a big impression on the Madrid hierarchy.
As such, Alonso continues to be the frontrunner for the managerial position at the Santiago Bernabeu should Ancelotti step down.
There are other interesting names in the mix as well, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi, although it appears like a long shot at this moment.
