Real Madrid have come across a stumbling block in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe as Lionel Messi signs a new deal with Barcelona.
Los Blancos have had the French forward in their sights for some time, but now according to The Athletic, Messi’s new deal with Barca means they are going to have to wait a while longer.
Paris-Saint Germain were hopeful of bringing the then-out-of-contract Messi to the Parc des Princes this window. This in turn would allow Madrid more wriggle room in nabbing Mbappe.
But Messi – who has just won the Copa America, his first-ever major international trophy, with Argentina – has finally agreed terms for a fresh five-year deal that will see him remain at the Nou Camp for five more years.
A report in the Athletic states that: “Madrid’s financial situation makes it almost impossible to find the transfer fee and wages required to satisfy the player and PSG this summer but still, local media and club figures continue to keep the possibility alive.
“The latest thinking around the Bernabeu is that if Barcelona’s woes were to push free-agent Messi to sign for the French club, it might make it easier for them to prise Mbappe out of there at some point before August 31.”
Up in the air
Mbappe, 22, has been a major target for Real for a considerable period. And should the club ever find a way to bring him to the Bernabéu, it would mean that some players will have to depart the club.
The same report continues with a source who said: “It is no secret that Mbappe is an objective of the club.”
“The market will be very long and will depend a lot on what happens with Mbappe. If Mbappe is to come, some players will have to leave.
“If they know for sure at some point that Mbappe will not come this summer, they might have to make other decisions. But until the last day of the market, we might not know.”
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