As well all know by now, Kylian Mbappé is the main protagonist of the 2023 transfer window. The France captain has made it perfectly clear that he has no intention of extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain beyond 2024, which means he would be able to leave the club for free next summer. In a failed attempt to force him to change his stance, the Ligue 1 champions left him out of their pre-season trhttps://soccerhuz.com/2023/08/03/barcelona-respon…is-saint-germain/ip to Japan and accepted a world-record bid from Al Hilal last week. Mbappé, however, refused to even speak to the Saudi Pro League side, leaving Real Madrid as his most likely future destination.
Madrid and Barça both asked about Mbappé move on US tours
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti – and several players – have frequently been asked about the possibility of Mbappé moving to Spain during their pre-season tour of the United States. And even Barcelona’s coaching and playing staff have had to field questions about the French superstar possibly signing for their arch rivals.
Barça’s indifference to whether the attacker does eventually sign for Los Blancos has been consistent throughout. The LaLiga champions insist that Mbappé making the switch to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu would have little effect on them and believe it is they who have the stronger roster in any case.
Laporta: “Barcelona have the best players”
Club captain Sergi Roberto was the latest to make the claim after the victory over AC Milan in Las Vegas: “For me, Barça has the best squad in the world. It’s a squad that can compete to win every trophy”.
The same message has also been echoed by president Joan Laporta: “He is an extraordinary player, a difference maker. Coming up against him is tough, but I trust my team. In my opinion, Barça have the best players. A team is made up of eleven players and the team should always take priority over individuals. We have a better team than last year and it’s going to get even better”.
Pedri, Gündogan and Gavi not fussed by Mbappé Madrid move
Pedri continued the theme: “I am neither Real Madrid’s director of football nor their president. We have do our own thing and let them do whatever it is they have to do”.
And for Ilkay Gündogan, Barcelona’s statement signing of the summer from Manchester City, it doesn’t matter which players he comes up against: “Winning against Madrid is the most special thing for a Barça player, it doesn’t matter which players you’re up against”.
Finally, teenage midfielder Gavi had the following to say about Jude Bellingham signing for Los Merengues and Mbappé’s potential switch: “Madrid can sign who they want, I don’t care. We’ll keep doing our own thing and we’ll give it our all”.
Fighting talk from Barcelona who, it should be remembered, finished the last LaLiga season 10 points ahead of their Clásico rivals. Real Madrid have some catching up to do.
