Real Madrid News
PSG star on Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe’s future: “Hope to have him here for a long time”
As we progress further into the season, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe as he looks to take a decision on his future.
The forward’s contract at Parc des Princes expires at the end of the season, meaning he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid right now.
Many expect Mbappe to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer, amid growing pressure from the Spanish giants.
Mbappe, for his part, has remained tight-lipped on his future. But in a recent interaction, his PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up about the player’s future.
Donnarumma on Mbappe’s future
Donnarumma backed Mbappe to make the right decision on his future while acknowledging that the Frenchman is a ‘great’ teammate to have.
“Kylian will make the best decision, he always gives his best in every training session, in every game, we are proud to have him here and we hope to have him here for a long time,” Donnarumma said (h/t MARCA).
The former AC Milan goalkeeper has been a teammate of Mbappe since 2021 when he joined PSG on a free transfer. Donnarumma has since developed an excellent relationship with Mbappe.
The goalkeeper’s comments came shortly after a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the UEFA Champions League. Mbappe notably scored the opener, helping the French giants remain on top of the game from the early proceedings.
Donnarumma’s hopes of having Mbappe in the team, though, appear to be dissipating. The forward is more likely to join Real Madrid with each passing day.
In fact, in the same Real Sociedad game, a Real Madrid representative was present, watching Mbappe closely. This serves as another indicator of Mbappe’s seemingly inevitable move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
