Real Madrid is gearing up for a renewed effort to secure the signature of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. They've set a deadline for the forward to decide on joining them this summer.
Starting January 1, Mbappe will enter the last six months of his PSG contract, allowing him to engage in negotiations with other clubs for a potential free transfer.
As per The Athletic, Real Madrid have learned from errors made in the summer of 2022, when they anticipated signing the Frenchman, only for him to opt for a new PSG deal instead.
The La Liga side has clearly communicated to the 25-year-old that if he desires to join them, a decision must be made before mid-January.
Some within Real Madrid felt betrayed when, in May 2022, Mbappe chose to renew with PSG. Despite that, contact between the two parties has persisted, as highlighted by The Athletic in January 2023.
However, the terms of the proposed deal from 2022 are likely to have changed. Rising costs at the Santiago Bernabeu have constrained Real Madrid's transfer spending, and the club's primary focus is on ensuring profitability annually, a feat they achieved even during the pandemic.
The club is also mindful of maintaining harmony in the dressing room. Real Madrid has long sought to manage the wage bill, and Mbappe's anticipated salary—more than double that of current stars—is a sensitive matter behind closed doors.
For instance, Jude Bellingham reportedly turned down better financial offers to join Real Madrid last summer. Mbappe might need to consider a similar path, akin to Aurelien Tchouameni's decision in 2022.
Everyone at Valdebebas is keen on strengthening the team with Mbappe, from head coach Carlo Ancelotti—who recently extended his contract until 2026—to players like Vinicius Junior, who interacts with Mbappe on social media. However, whether their desires will materialise remains uncertain.
At PSG, there's a growing belief that Mbappe might extend his stay in Paris once more. Some in Paris doubt that Real Madrid will present the financial package Mbappe desires.
Last summer, Mbappe found himself isolated from PSG's first-team plans and excluded from the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. He was made available for sale, with the Ligue 1 champions suspecting he aimed to run down his contract and join Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 as a free agent.
There was also a staggering €300m offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, and PSG granted them permission to engage with Mbappe before eventually reinstating him into the first team.