Real Madrid are holding onto Karim Benzema's number 9 shirt for Kylian Mbappe in the hope that the PSG superstar will join them this summer.
In the updated squad list on Real Madrid's official website, the number 9 shirt is still vacant. New signing Joselu wears the number 14. According to Goal , this is a sign that Mbappe will move to the Bernabeu this summer and inherit the number 9 shirt previously worn by his compatriot Benzema.
Mbappe could leave PSG for Real Madrid this summer. Photo: AFP
Benzema has moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad after 14 years of service to Real Madrid. Last summer, the 35-year-old striker tried to lure Mbappe to Real Madrid, but failed. That was one of two times Mbappe publicly expressed his desire to join the "Los Blancos," but ultimately stayed because of promises from PSG.
PSG are under pressure to sell Mbappe this summer because his contract has only one year left. Otherwise, they risk losing one of the world's most expensive football stars for free. For his part, Mbappe has said he is willing to stay and contribute for another year. But PSG don't like this scenario. They are demanding that the 25-year-old striker either leave immediately or extend his contract.
On June 22nd, French media reported that PSG had agreed to sell Mbappe to Real Madrid for $271 million. If this deal goes through, Mbappe would become the most expensive player in the world, breaking the record set by PSG's $263 million transfer fee for Neymar in 2017.
Last year, Mbappe reversed his decision after a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to stay at PSG. Therefore, the Spanish club has been somewhat secretive in this round of negotiations. Real Madrid still sees Mbappe as the most suitable replacement for Benzema, combining him with young stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to build a strong attacking foundation. Previously, the Royal team spent $110 million to acquire midfielder Jude Bellingham from Dortmund.
Duy Doan (according to Goal )
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