Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes his team has the edge over Real Madrid even if they signed Kylian Mbappé.
The 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, who has one more year left in his present deal, continues to be linked with Los Blancos despite links with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
PSG reportedly gave Al-Hilal permission to speak with the Frenchman over personal terms after receiving a £259m bid in writing but Mbappé refused a meeting. Having dropped Mbappé from their pre-season Japan tour, PSG is understood to be convinced that he’s agreed to join Real next summer on a free transfer.
Heading into the new season head coach Carlo Ancelotti has Joselu as Real’s sole recognised centre-forward with Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Reinier, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz as other attacking options. Mbappé, who has bagged 212 goals across 260 appearances for the Parisians, would undoubtedly be a marquee signing but Barça chief Laporta feels the defending Spanish champions will still be the better team.
FULL TIME!!! #ELCLÁSICO IS BLAUGRANA! pic.twitter.com/3DFGYjjgkB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 29, 2023
“He is an extraordinary player, someone who makes a difference. Playing against him is difficult, but I trust my team. The players that Barcelona have are the best,” he told reporters.
“A team consists of 11 players and the priority should always be the team over the individuals. We have a better team than last year and we’re going to have it even better (than then).”