Real Madrid have debunked rumours regarding the potential signing of France international and Paris Saint Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe.
With the winter transfer window looming, the 35-time La Liga champions released an official statement on Saturday, categorically dismissing reports of ongoing negotiations as “absolutely false.”
Real Madrid statement denying report of signing Kylian Mbappe
The statement from Real Madrid reads, “In the face of news stories broadcast and published by various media, which speculate about supposed negotiations between the player Kylian Mbappe and our club, Real Madrid wants to state that these stories are absolutely false, and said negotiations, with a player who belongs to PSG, have not taken place.”
Real Madrid’s statement did not specify which specific reports it was referring to, but it reaffirmed their stance that discussions with Kylian Mbappe have not occurred.
Recent headlines suggested that a possible move for Mbappé to Real Madrid was in the works.
Leading Spanish newspaper Marca reported on its front page that “Madrid are staying quiet, but [the club] sees him wearing white in 2024.”
Meanwhile, reports from France indicate that Real Madrid were “still waiting for Mbappé,” adding to the speculation.
How much will Mbappe likely earn at Real Madrid?
According to reports by Diario AS on Saturday, Mbappé was expected to earn €35 million ($37.58 million) per year after tax at the Bernabéu if the transfer were to materialize.
Kylian Mbappe has been a long-standing target for Real Madrid, a club with a persistent desire to acquire his services.
Real Madrid’s previous attempts to secure Mbappé in 2021, with a bid of €200 million, and in 2022, when they were on the verge of signing him on a free transfer, were both unsuccessful. Mbappe opted to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in each instance.
The rumors resurfaced last summer when Mbappé declared he would not further extend his contract with PSG, allowing him to negotiate with other clubs starting in January 2024, in preparation for a summer move.
Real Madrid has kept its No. 9 shirt vacant for the 2023-24 season, suggesting anticipation of a strong signing.
In the meantime, the club has leaned on the talents of midfielder Jude Bellingham to lead their attack.
Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint Germain
Kylian Mbappe continues to impress on the field, having already scored 10 goals in 10 Ligue 1 matches for PSG this season, in addition to 2 goals in 3 Champions League appearances.
The Frenchman joined Paris Saint Germain from AS Monaco on June 1, 2018, for a fee of €180 million.
He has scored 224 goals and provided 99 assists in 273 appearances across all competitions.
Internationally, he has scored 43 goals and provided 26 assists in 73 appearances for Les Blues.
Mbappe finished 3rd on the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist, behind Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
