KEY POINTS

  • Real Madrid remains a favorite to sign PSG star Kylian Mbappe next summer
  • The pandemic could dictate the success of Mbappe's transfer to Madrid
  • Liverpool and Barcelona are both interested in the French forward

An unmanageable setback could dictate Real Madrid’s chances of signing Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

The reigning La Liga champion has been “in pole position” to land Mbappe next summer. Madrid president Florentino Perez has been “carefully” working on the transfer of one of the best forwards in the sport.

However, Spanish outlet AS reported that the aftermath of the pandemic could spoil the plans for Los Blancos.

According to the report, matches with empty stadiums in the light of the global health crisis have been causing huge problems in Madrid’s “annual turnover.”

Should the situation prolong and with Mbappe’s staggering price tag, it would be impossible for the club to secure a deal next year.

Mbappe could leave PSG for free in 2022, and it is likely that a prospective club will pay less than his value next summer as the forward is entering the final year of his contract.

The 21-year-old is currently valued at €180 million ($211 million). A football club is expected to lower its offer to €130 or €150 million ($152 or $175 million) due to the possibility of signing the athlete through free agency in the following year.

As for PSG, the idea of parting ways with Mbappe is not an option at the moment. The club’s sporting director Leonardo earlier stated that despite the strong interest from other clubs, PSG is not willing to break its ties with Mbappe as well as Neymar.

France forward Kylian Mbappe scored a cracker on Wednesday
France forward Kylian Mbappe AFP / FRANCK FIFE

“We want to continue [with Mbappe], of course, it’s clear,” Leonardo told Canal Football Club. “Everyone knows what they want, too. We have already spoken [to] them. Then you have to find the right moment, the right way to reach a conclusion. To have two players like that on our team, it’s a chance.”

“Today, we have [Mbappe and Neymar] the two best players in the world after [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” the director continued. “I think the thinking (on a possible departure) is normal, but I also think that there are so many good things here. Marriage is perfect for me. I think that PSG will be present in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, an array of big-name clubs is also interested in landing a deal with Mbappe next summer. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has his sights of having Mbappe on his roster, while Madrid’s ultimate Spanish top-flight rival, Barcelona, is also firm on its desire to enlist the French superstar.