Real Madrid News
Real Madrid still interested in Kylian Mbappe despite reports claiming otherwise
It was only yesterday that news broke out, claiming that Real Madrid have decided to rule out a move for Kylian Mbappe for certain reasons.
It hasn’t been 24 hours since the information and French publication RMC SPORT is now claiming that the Los Blancos have not really abandoned their pursuit of the French superstar and they will, indeed, go for his signature at the end of the season.
A lot is happening in the Mbappe story
On November 4, Real Madrid had to release an official statement, saying that no negotiation was happening between the club and Mbappe.
This was done to act on certain rumours claiming that the team would sign the World Cup winner on a free transfer at the end of the season.
A few days later, it emerged that Real Madrid are, indeed, keeping their distance from the player but RMC SPORT is now saying otherwise.
Now, there has been no official statement from Real Madrid since, but manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the move following his side’s 3-0 win over Braga in the Champions League, to which he said,
“I won’t answer. Sorry, I won’t answer that.”
It is a strategic manoeuvre
The summer of 2021 saw a significant moment when Mbappe ultimately chose to prolong his contract with PSG. As far as Madrid are concerned, they are keen on avoiding the perception of actively pursuing the striker.
This media approach serves a dual purpose: not only does it provide a protective shield in case the signing falls through, but it also communicates that the onus is on the player to exert the required effort if he genuinely aspires to grace the Santiago Bernabeu.
And yet, the opportunity for Mbappe to join Real Madrid persists. President Florentino Perez remains open to embracing the talented star, given that his contract with PSG concludes at the end of June.
After all, starting January 1, Mbappé is free to negotiate with clubs for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
