Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has suggested that the Spanish club could sign Kylian Mbappe in the upcoming winter transfer window. The 22-year-old Frenchman's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season and risks leaving for free having refused to extend his stay at the club.
Mbappe was the subject of several bids from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window and at one instance, had the Spanish club bidding in the excess of $232M (€200M/£172M) for his signature. However, the player was denied his dream move to the Bernabeu outfit as PSG regard him as an integral member of their squad for the ongoing season's campaign even with Lionel Messi arriving.
On Monday, Mbappe, who is on international duty with France for their upcoming games against Belgium, Kazakhstan and France, revealed in an interview that he asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid interest from Real Madrid, and was eager to go so that PSG could obtain compensation for his departure. Instead, Les Parisian turned down the bids, and is now seemingly on his way out on a free transfer next summer.
Nevertheless, there could be a twist in the saga with Real Madrid president Fiorentino Perez hinting at a move for the French sensation. As Mbappe will be entering the final months of his contract with the turn of the year, the situation means he can negotiate with other clubs from January 1, 2022. Speaking to Spanish paper El Debate, Perez said: "In January we will have news on Mbappe. "Hopefully, everything can be sorted on January 1."
Marca subsequently reported that the Madrid chief had backtracked slightly, saying: "My words were misinterpreted. What I said is that we have to wait until next year to hear from him, always with respect to PSG with whom we have good relations."
The initial comments by Perez angered PSG sporting director Leonardo who accused Real Madrid for illegally pursuing the signing of Mbappe for the past two seasons. In an interview with French paper L'Equipe, he said: "It's been going on for two years. "I just remind you that the transfer window is closed, that a season is underway. "There are matches and Real Madrid cannot continue to behave in this way.
"Let it stop! Kylian is a player of Paris St Germain and the club wants this relationship to last."
