Real Madrid intend to unveil Kylian Mbappe to their loyal legion of fans on July 16, but he is likely to miss the club’s tour of the United States.
♦ Moving to Spain as free agent
♦ On Euro 2024 duty for now
♦ Set to sit out trip to United States
WHAT HAPPENED?
World Cup winner Mbappe has become the latest ‘Galactico’ addition at Santiago Bernabeu, with the France international agreeing to head for Spain when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and becoming a free agent.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real have been chasing his signature for some time and are delighted to have finally got their man. Mbappe will be showcased in the Spanish capital for the first time shortly after his commitments at Euro 2024 come to a close. If he were to win that tournament, then a celebration parade will take place in Paris on July 15. The following morning, Mbappe will head to Spain and be shown to the club’s fans later that day.
DID YOU KNOW?
On the same day that he is presented to adoring supporters in Madrid, the Blancos will also make his new No.9 shirt available to buy. Mbappe is taking that jersey as Vinicius Junior fills his favoured No.7 spot and Luka Modric has agreed a 12-month contract extension that keeps him in No.10.
WHAT NEXT?
While those shirts are set to fly off shelves around the world, Mbappe is not expected to form part of Madrid’s summer tour of America – as a result of his Euros duty. He will sit out meetings with AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea before potentially making his debut in a UEFA Super Cup clash with Atalanta on August 14.