Real Madrid News
PSG president on Mbappe’s future amid Real Madrid links: “Will not leave for free”
Speaking at the unveiling of new manager Luis Enrique, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has provided an update on the future of Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe.
The 24-year-old’s future has been the talk of the town after he confirmed that he will not renew his contract beyond 2024. Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on the situation without making a concrete move as of yet as they wait for the situation to become clear.
Mbappe, for his part, has maintained that he does not want to leave PSG this summer. The club, though, are insistent that the only way he stays put for next season is if he renews his deal. If not, the 24-year-old will be sold in the current transfer window.
And now Al-Khelaifi has doubled down on that point, stating that the thought of Mbappe leaving the club for free is unfathomable and that the only way he remains at the club beyond the summer is if he renews.
“Kylian will not leave for free. If he wants to stay, he must renew,” Al-Khelaifi said (h/t MARCA). “Mbappe leaving for free? Impossible.”
“Our position is strong. Mbappé will not leave for free. Impossible. The best player in the world leaving for free is not happening,” the PSG president added.
Further underlining the stance of the Ligue 1 champions, Al-Khelaifi said: “If Mbappé wants to stay, he stays. But he has to renew. We can’t let him leave for free and that’s what he promised the club. If he changes his mind, it’s not my fault.”
With PSG not willing to move from their position, Mbappe will now have to change his – either decide to forego the loyalty bonus that he is to receive next year and leave now or sign a new contract with the French champions.
Real Madrid will be closely watching the situation as they are certain about signing Mbappe. The only unknown variable in the equation remains is the ‘when’.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
