Kylian Mbappé celebrates one of his goals at Stade Reims. /
L’Equipe assures that PSG has rejected a second offer of 200 million, of which 30 in variables, and RMC maintains that Real Madrid is withdrawing from the negotiations
“I’m fine, calm,” Kylian Mbappé responded, imperturbable, to a journalist in the early afternoon of this Monday, when he appeared at the concentration of the French team in Clairefontaine without yet knowing his future. After four years of long-distance relationship with Real Madrid, the Parisian star of Algerian and Cameroonian descent still belongs to Paris Saint-Germain, although Florentino Pérez trusts that his negotiating experience and the footballer’s unequivocal desire will end up sealing a historic transfer and strategic of the white club.
Hours of rumors, tension, tug of war and uncertainty before the outcome of the summer soap opera in a lively transfer market that closes at midnight this Tuesday. Last week, Real Madrid issued an ultimatum to PSG. He set a limit of six in the afternoon this Monday to respond to his latest offer: 170 million plus 10 in variables for a differential footballer who ends his contract on June 30, 2022 and as of January 1 he would be a free agent to be able to negotiate with any club.
In the absence of an official response, from Concha Espina it was leaked that, obviously, the deadline extended until 11:59 p.m. on August 31. The giants duel can be resolved in the last minute of the match. But the hours go by and there is no discount here. According to SkySports, the top merengue leader is even considering reaching 200 million to convince PSG to ‘release’ one of its stars. The offer formula could be 170 million fixed and up to 30 million in variables. Version contrary to that of RMC Sport, where it was reported that the representatives of Real Madrid who were in Paris to close the transfer would have decided to stop the negotiations, although it adds that nothing is ruled out until the end.
Until now, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the powerful president of the Parisian club, has been clear in his intentions to retain the player if Real Madrid don’t stretch further. But the one who really has the last word is the Emir of Qatar. Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani is the one who controls everything, the one who makes the crucial decisions at PSG and thinks in petrodollars. And Florentino Pérez prefers to negotiate directly with him than with Al-Khelaifi, with whom relations were strained as a result of the European Super League project sponsored by the merengue club’s boss.
Proud as the new rich, PSG already responded on Sunday with apparent calm, as if nothing had changed. The madridistas hoped that Mbappé would not be called up to play in Reims, but it turns out that Mauricio Pochettino lined up the entire game for him while Leo Messi made his debut as a substitute. Both the Argentine coach and his president wanted to make it clear that only they set the times and do not accept threats or interference.
“The perfect night”
Mbappé completed a great game, sealed a double and celebrated it effusively. Then, he published on Instagram a photograph with Neymar and Achraf that was like a jug of cold water for Real Madrid. “Three points, two goals … the perfect night,” he wrote. Along with the message, the footballer put the colors of PSG. Where there were no certainties before, there were some reasonable doubts about the signing. On the basis of goals, Kylian changed the whistles that PSG fans gave him before the start of the Ligue 1 clash for applause, when his name sounded over the loudspeaker and began the warm-up.
Pochettino’s words at the end of the game cooled Madrid’s spirits even more: «Mbappé is our player. The football industry is always full of rumors, but our president and Leonardo, the sporting director, have been clear. He is with us. I am very happy with him, he is one of the best players in the world, “said the Argentine coach, another old dream of Florentino Pérez, in this case for the Madrid bench.
Mbappé wants to fly to Real Madrid sooner rather than later, he has said no to succulent renewal offers and has asked his club to negotiate, but he does not want to make a bad gesture towards PSG. While Kylian flew and scored in Reims, Leo Messi looked at Pochetino on the bench waiting for his compatriot to enter the field. The Rosario came out until minute 62, after a gentle warm-up and surrounded by enormous expectation. He entered through Neymar, with whom he shared a hug a knowing smile. He looked for Mbappé in the field, but they hardly met. It remains to be seen if they will see each other more times as teammates or just as rivals.
Mbappé’s ability to withdraw from the environment and focus on his profession is admirable. It was highlighted by Luis Fernández, a symbol of PSG, from Tarragona, interviewed by Le Parisien after the Reims appointment. Kylian is in great shape. He once again demonstrated his effectiveness in front of the goal. I never saw him lift his foot or hide. He had a very complete match! It is exemplary and extraordinary. Kylian is impervious to everything that is said around her. Some say you have to go, others don’t. It is not easy to handle a situation like this, but Kylian handles everything perfectly, “said the former footballer and coach.
.
