Real Madrid News
Sky sources: Mbappe could announce his PSG renewal today
In what can be a huge blow for Real Madrid’s transfer aspirations, Kylian Mbappe could announce his renewal with Paris Saint-Germain later tonight on Saturday, reports Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio.
Mbappe is in the final couple of months of his contract with PSG and speculations over his future have been dominating the headlines for months together now.
Real Madrid had been touted as the favourites to sign the 23-year-old superstar on a Bosman deal this summer after having failed to land him with massive bids last year.
However, it seems like Los Blancos could miss out on the French superstar after all. Earlier this week, Mbappe’s mother confirmed that they had reached a contract agreement with both PSG and Real Madrid, with both offers being very similar.
She had added that Mbappe was yet to make a final decision on his future. Now, Di Marzio is claiming that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has chosen PSG and the announcement could be made later tonight.
PSG play Metz in their final Ligue 1 match of the season and Mbappe and the club could announce the extension of their partnership after the match.
Building on that, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has reported that the French forward could be set to receive a massive signing-on bonus of around €130-150 million or even double that amount.
Such outrageous sums may have played a part in Mbappe changing his mind to continue at PSG, despite having appeared to be favouring a transfer to Real Madrid for a long time.
If true, this development will come as a huge blow for Los Blancos, who had made Mbappe their main mission this summer. Due to their pursuit of the French international, Real Madrid even backed out of the race for Erling Haaland, who has signed for Manchester City.
It remains to be seen what Florentino Perez & co. do in the transfer window now that Mbappe has seemingly slipped out of their hands.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
