An interesting summer is upon us as the latest from the transfer news scenes indicates that Real Madrid will be back in the chase for Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe shocked the world in 2022 when he signed an extension with Paris Saint-Germain after all the signs pointed to him moving to Real Madrid. The deal was a two-year extension with an option of signing a one-year extension that will see him remain at Parc De Princes until 2025.
After the drama of that season, more drama arose when Lionel Messi, in his final year at the club, chose not to renew his contract thanks to a number of reasons including fan heckling. Mbappe has now created more drama by choosing not to activate the option to remain at Parc De Princes until 2025. This means that the 2023/24 season will be his last in the PSG jersey.
Social media is abuzz with excitement and takes on the issue and Mbappe himself has come out to clarify some of the information being spread on Twitter. It is understood, however, that the club will put him on the market this summer if they fail to come to a consensus about him extending his deal. They do not want to lose the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner to a free transfer in 2025 when the option of raking in over €150 million in transfer fees remains viable.
The only club willing to take this chance is Real Madrid, who reportedly submitted a bid in the region of €200 million just before Mbappe chose to continue in France. The saga of 2022 rubbed them the wrong way and it was implied that the Mbappe chapter is closed forever. However, with the possibility of bagging Mbappe this summer, Los Blancos have now re-entered the ring to challenge for his signature.
They have a clear path to his signing but there is news of Manchester United making an attempt as their takeover bid saga draws to a close. Madrid, meanwhile, could drop their pursuit of Harry Kane as the replacement for Karim Benzema. This is good news for both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Spurs are unwilling to let Kane go even as he enters the final year of his contract. They could recoup almost €100 million from his move this summer but they are unwilling to consider it. Man United, on the other hand, have Kane as their primary transfer target and having Real Madrid out of the race could give them the upper hand in negotiations with the England Three Lions captain.
It has also been suggested that PSG could make a move for Kane if Mbappe moves on, which will add to Spurs’ worry about keeping their prized asset.
