Real Madrid fans will give Paris Saint-Germain a raucous welcome in Wednesday’s Champions League match, but long-term target Kylian Mbappe will be spared in order to persuade him to join the Blancos.
Mbappe, who will be out of contract at the conclusion of the season, is yet to commit to a club beyond 2021-22.
If he moves, Real Madrid appears to be the front-runner, although the striker might yet stay at PSG.
Offensive charm
PSG will travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday with a 1-0 lead in their Champions League last-16 tie, courtesy to Mbappe’s late winner in the first leg in February.
Despite the importance of the match, FUTBALLNEWS can reveal that, unlike former Barcelona idol Lionel Messi and the rest of the visiting team, the PSG star will be welcomed with open arms.
Several Madrid fan groups intend to make tiny displays of affection for the striker as he enters the pitch, but they will be careful not to go crazy owing to the circumstances of his visit.
According to supporters’ representatives, the most important component is to avoid overtly cheering for an enemy player or doing anything that would enrage him or his team and jeopardize a potential deal, and instead persuade him that the Bernabeu is a suitable new home.
Will Kylian Mbappe be available for the second leg?
On Monday, Mbappe limped out of training after sustaining a severe challenge to his left foot, giving PSG a major fright.
Despite an injury scare, Kylian Mbappe was picked to Paris Saint-League Germain’s lineup and will face Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old struck a late goal at Parc des Princes to give PSG a 1-0 lead in the round of 16 match, giving the Ligue 1 leaders a small advantage to take to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were worried that Mbappe might miss the match after picking up a knock in training, but he was on board with the rest of his colleagues as they traveled to Spain on Tuesday morning.
