A former Paris Saint-Germain coach has sensationally claimed that Kylian Mbappe could reject Real Madrid if he wins the Champions League this season.
♦ Mbappe tipped to join Real Madrid this summer
♦ Former PSG boss believes things could change if he wins UCL
♦ Parisians set to face Barcelona in quarter-finals
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe has reportedly informed PSG of his intention to leave upon the expiry of his contract and is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. However, former PSG manager Luis Fernandez believes that there still could be a potential twist in Mbappe’s decision-making process, suggesting that the 25-year-old may opt to remain at PSG if they secure Champions League success this season.
WHAT FERNANDEZ SAID
In an interview with Sport, Fernandez said when asked if he expects Mbappe to join Real: “No. The season is not over and there has been no official confirmation. It’s like with coaches, the only one who has said he is staying is Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen and the one who has said he is leaving is [Jurgen] Klopp. Xavi is unknown, although I would like him to continue. From Mbappe, we have to wait. They’ll say it. For now, what I can say is that he has been at PSG for seven years playing wonderfully, with a great attitude. Let’s see what happens. PSG will win the League and are in the Cup final. If they win the Champions League… I don’t rule anything out.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
PSG coach Luis Enrique has expressed in the same vein that he has not given up on the possibility of Mbappe staying at the club.
He told Prime Video: “I still hope that Kylian changes his mind. He hasn’t said anything at the moment, he can change his opinion. Let’s imagine that we win all four titles this season and that Kylian makes his decision at the last moment… that his place is in Paris. Why not? We’ll see.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Meanwhile, Mbappe has maintained silence on the transfer rumours, dismissing claims of a decision regarding his future.
When the forward was quizzed about his future during the March international break, he said: “I didn’t announce anything because I had nothing to announce. I’ve always said that the day I have something to say, I will come and introduce myself as a man and I will speak. Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have anything juicy to announce.”
WHAT NEXT?
As PSG vies for multiple trophies this season, including Ligue 1, the Champions League, and the Coupe de France, Mbappe’s future remains a subject of intense speculation. However, in the short term, he is fired up to shine on the continental stage when PSG host Barcelona on Wednesday, April 10 at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.