Paris Saint-Germain have been told Kylian Mbappe wants to join Real Madrid to “improve his career” by former Blancos star Ruud van Nistelrooy.
♦ Mbappe expected to join Madrid
♦ Van Nistelrooy backs Frenchman to succeed in Spain
♦ Believes Madrid can dominate with Mbappe’s inclusion
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe’s wait for the coveted Champions League trophy grows longer after Paris Saint-Germain succumbed in the Champions League semifinal to bow out at the hands of underdogs Borussia Dortmund. After their unceremonious exit from Europe, PSG are also now counting down the days until Mbappe’s exit, with his contract set to expire on June 1, and it has been reported he will sign for Real Madrid.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Van Nistelrooy, who donned the Real Madrid jersey between 2006 and 2010, is hopeful that Mbappe will finally make the move to the Spanish capital after a couple of failed attempts. The Dutch legend feels that the explosive forward should jump ship from PSG to join Los Blancos as it would significantly increase his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
WHAT VAN NISTELROOY SAID
In an interview with AS, Van Nistelrooy said: “Kylian is a very intelligent player and boy and I am sure that he thinks that to improve in his career, because he is still very young, and win the Ballon d’Or he should play for Madrid.”
Mbappe’s potential position has been hotly debated as Vinicius Jr. occupies his preferred left wing slot at Madrid, while Rodrygo operates on the right. However, Van Nistelrooy is optimistic that Carlo Ancelotti will introduce a fluid system where all three forwards will have the license to roam freely, with Jude Bellingham in a more withdrawn role.
“Of course they are compatible,” Van Nistelrroy asserted. “Who plays as ‘9’ will vary in the games, because Ancelotti gives the players a lot of freedom in attack, and sometimes Mbappe and sometimes Vinicius will start in that position, as has happened this year, even Rodrygo. The speed of that trident, with Bellingham behind, is going to be unstoppable. With them, Madrid can mark an era.”
WHAT NEXT?
Mbappe could reportedly be presented as a Real Madrid player after the Champions League final and before the forward flies to Germany for Euro 2024 with France. Before bidding adieu to PSG, he can potentially win a domestic double by bagging Ligue 1 and the French Cup, respectively. Meanwhile, Madrid have already been crowned champions of Spain and will now aim for European glory with a titanic Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich scheduled on Wednesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu.