We all expected Paris Saint-Germain megastar Kylian Mbappe to rock up in La Liga at Real Madrid this summer. Well this SBOTOP writer did, following the Frenchman’s announcement that he would not extend his stay at the Parc des Princes beyond 2024.
That news rather forced the Parisiens’ hands and it seems increasingly likely that Mbappe will be on his way, but the Santiago Bernabeu isn’t the only possible destination, according to reports in Spain. Barcelona have now been linked to the France star, despite the financial constraints head coach Xavi finds himself under.
The obvious way for Barcelona to enter the race to sign Mbappe would be to offer a player, or players, in return. It is not always easy for Ligue 1 clubs to attract the very best talent though PSG have the financial muscle to sweeten many a deal. And Barcelona have some very marketable players; it’s just a case of who Xavi would be happy to lose.
Given his French connections, one obvious candidate for a move to Paris would be wide man Ousmane Dembele, though his relationship with Robert Lewandowski pretty much fired Barca to the title last season. PSG are always keen to bring in French players so they would love to get their hands on Dembele… but that might be difficult one. Frenkie de Jong would have been a great prospect this time last year, but he played a key role in the Blaugrana’s 2023 success and so his value might have increased. And PSG boss Luis Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, would love to bring either of these two and possibly even young midfield star Gavi to Paris.
These are very early days in Barca’s involvement in this saga and it will be well worth watching the La Liga 2023 updates over the next few days.
Real Madrid will still be keen to get their man and Mbappe has also attracted an offer from the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal offering £259m for his services. That particular club has already tired to lure Lionel Messi but he headed off to Inter Miami. Apparently PSG have accepted the offer from Al Hilal but whether Mbappe, still only 24, is willing to take the money and run remains to be seen.
It still seems a little unlikely to me; but it depends where the player’s priorities lie.
If he follows Messi’s example and turns down the Saudi cash then it’s back to Spain…and Barcelona or Real Madrid. And reports in France suggest that PSG are fed up with Real Madrid and would prefer to deal with the Catalans.
Real Madrid have an option to take the player in 2024 if he is not sold this summer but head coach Carlos Ancelotti may be reluctant to risk losing his man; though he has made one huge signing this year, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham already through the doors at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bellingham made his Los Blancos debut in a 3-2 win over AC Milan in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The La Liga 2023 betting odds currently make Los Blancos and Barca neck and neck for the title, but the destination of Mbappe might cause a huge shift…either way.
Betis say farewell to Canales
Andalusia is saying goodbye to one of its biggest stars with the news that Spain international Sergio Canales is leaving Real Betis to join Mexican league big guns Rayados de Monterray. He has signed on a three year deal and leaves Betis after five successful years during which he scored 30 goals and made 39 assists in 164 games. It’s the first time Canales has left Spain to play his football, starring for Real Sociedad and Valencia and, briefly, Real Madrid.
Canales has played a big role in Real Betis’ consistency over the past few years as serial qualifiers for Europe and the 32 year old will be sadly missed by Los Verdiblancos.
But there are two incomings to the Estadio Benito Villamarin as defenders Marc Bartra and Chadi Riad were both signed by head coach Manuel Pellegrini at the weekend. Experienced centre back Bartra returns to Betis after a season with Trabzonspor and he has already represented Los Verdiblancos 121 times and has 14 caps with Spain. He has signed a two year contract and told reporters at the airport he was glad to ‘return home’. At the other end of his career 20 year old Moroccan centre back Chadi Riad has joined Betis on loan after coming through Barcelona’s youth academy. Betis have an option to buy at 5m Euros and, as a cultured ball playing defender, this could be a breakout season for Riad.
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