Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain is a player who has been frequently linked to a move to Real Madrid. And per former PSG winger Jerome Rothen, a move to Santiago Bernabeu would have likely consummated by now had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I know from club sources that a deal to take Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid was almost done," Rothen said. "But with what has been happening, I'm sure that Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid will be postponed."
And while the lull may have foiled that, a Mbappe move to Real can still happen according to Rothen. He does not see the 21-year-old forward signing an extension with PSG. Further, he adds that Mbappe and PSG already have an agreement in place that would see him walk in the summer, Goal.com reported.
"They will have an agreement between them in place because PSG agreed to let him go this summer. In my opinion, it's just a question of time," Rothen said.
Mbappe had been performing well for PSG before the COVID-19 pandemic forced football action into hiatus. He had 18 goals and 30 across all competitions this 2019-20 season. And his performance this season was praised no less by Zinedine Zidane, a person who said declared his love for the French forward.
"You know that I have known him for a long time," Zidane said at the time. "I am already in love with him, firstly as a person, because he came to do a trial here a long time ago.
But while Rothen and experts see Mbappe moving out of PSG, it will be interesting if they will have room for the 21-year-old forward. Sadio Mane is another player on Zizou's wish list and talks have reportedly started, The Sun reported. And if that were to fall through, Liverpool could be in play for Mbappe's services.
Previously, signing Mbappe was seen as a long-shot acquisition since the Reds lacked the budget to afford him. But all that was before Nike came in as new kit sponsors. With an additional £100m a year, Jurgen Klopp may just be able to maneuver Mbappe's salary which is pegged at £400,00 a week wage. Nike could fund part of that salary since they would also benefit from the potential signing of Mbappe.
This is just one of the many scenarios that could happen moving forward. But if Rothen is to be believed, the only clear thing is that Mbappe is headed out the PSG door.
