Diego Simeone: I see Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe
Diego Simeone believes Real Madrid will sign Kylian Mbappe at some point — while he also thinks a potential Lionel Messi return to Barcelona would be hugely beneficial to La Liga.
The French sensation has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu since bursting onto the scene as a precocious goal-getter at Monaco, and speculation continues to generate traction despite him turning down an offer last summer.
Favouring a new new deal with Paris Saint-Germain instead, Mbappe did reveal that despite his three-year contract extension, he was not closing the door completely on a dream move to Real in the future, insisting: “You never know what can happen in the future.”
There are suggestions that Mbappe won’t tie himself down to a longer deal at the Parc des Princes, meaning in just two years’ time, he will be a free transfer. That could spark president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to entertain offers in an effort to accrue seismic funds.
It’s a scenario Atletico Madrid boss Simeone can see happening, as he backs the World Cup winner to pitch up at Valdebebas in the not-too-distant future — adding that a potential Lionel Messi return to Barcelona would also be massive for La Liga’s reputation.
He told COPE: “Do I see Mbappe at Madrid? Yes, Real Madrid always signs the best. Mbappe at Real Madrid and Messi at Barcelona would be fantastic for La Liga.”
Simeone also gave his views on Carlo Ancelotti, refusing to let the tribalistic nature of El Derbi Madrileno warp his perception of the Madrid manager, whom he regards as an “extraordinary person”.
He said: “I would like to meet up with Ancelotti at some point, I think he is an extraordinary person, I love him. Maybe we can get together to talk about some Brazilian player that I might have (laughs).”
