PSG sporting director
Real Madrid‘s attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé just ahead of deadline day was a spectacle. But according to PSG sporting director Leonardo, a transfer was never truly an option. “We never thought about it,” the sporting director said in an interview with Canal+ (cited by RMC Sport) when asked about selling the 22-year-old this summer.
“We were unhappy how Real Madrid behaved,” Leonardo said. “When you start negotiations for the world’s best player in the last week of the window, a situation was created that we didn’t appreciate.” The Brazilian made clear that he was unhappy about the situation Real created. Furthermore, Real Madrid never offered the €170 million to €200 million. Those sums, according to Leonardo were a media story.
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“We were aware of the offer,” Leonardo said. “It wasn’t enough, it was less than what we paid.” In 2018, PSG paid €145 million to sign Mbappé from Monaco. Real Madrid also never improved their offer. “The last offer that they made public, never arrived,” Leonardo said. “You can’t organize a transfer window over three or four months and then change all your plans at the last minute.”
PSG sporting director Leonardo convinced Mbappé will renew
Leonardo is convinced that it is possible that the World Cup winner will sign a new contract. “I don’t think Kylian will leave at the end of the season,” the 52-year-old said. “Nobody is considering a future at Paris Saint-Germain without Kylian. We are still tight,” Leonardo said about the relationship of the club and the player. “That’s why we are thinking about nothing else.”
The PSG sporting director was full of praise for his player. “Kylian stands for many things,” Leonardo said. “Not just because he is a Frenchman or one of the best players in the world. Everyone likes his character. The player is wonderful.” With Mbappé, new signing Lionel Messi and Neymar, PSG have the most valuable attacking trio on the planet. Together their market value is €340 million. “Messi, Neymar and Kylian are not something you should have to watch for just one year,” Leonardo said. “We will try everything,” to keep the trio together for the next season as well.
