Marcel Desailly, a former France defender, has advised his compatriot Kylian Mbappe to reconsider his anticipated move to Real Madrid and explore a lucrative opportunity in Saudi Arabia instead. Despite reports suggesting that Mbappe is expected to confirm his transfer to Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window, Desailly believes that the young star should explore alternative options.
Real Madrid has been linked with Mbappe for some time, and it is widely expected that he will join the Spanish giants in the summer. However, reports suggest that Real Madrid hesitated to formalize the transfer while there was still a possibility of a Champions League final showdown with PSG. Despite this, Mbappe’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu appears inevitable.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Desailly urged Mbappe to consider alternative options, saying, “I’ve said it already. [If I were Mbappé], I’d move to another continent. I’m not sure if Real Madrid is the perfect place for him to be.” Desailly believes that Mbappe may not be the undisputed number one at Real Madrid, with players like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham already showing great ability. Instead, he suggests that Mbappe should consider a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly worth €350m for a year. This would allow him to return next season, ahead of the World Cup.
Mbappe’s performance was lacklustre in PSG’s Champions League exit, with Dortmund prevailing in both legs of their semi-final tie, each ending in a 1-0 victory. Looking ahead, the German side will face the winner of the clash between Madrid and Bayern Munich on June 1 at Wembley.
Desailly’s advice to Mbappe is not just about financial gain; it’s also about ensuring the young star’s career continues to flourish. By moving to Saudi Arabia, Mbappe would be guaranteed a starring role, whereas at Real Madrid, he may face stiff competition from established players. With the World Cup on the horizon, Desailly believes that Mbappe should prioritize his career and consider alternative options.