Real Madrid have a habit of getting what they want in football, but the Galacticos have been brought back to earth in the past two years. Madrid failed in their attempt to push the European Super League and in their efforts to sign Kylian Mbappe.
Madrid president Florentino Perez launched an assault on football by masterminding the Super League proposal and he received little sympathy from within the industry when his deal for Mbappe collapsed last week. The French forward has now confirmed that he called Perez personally to inform him of his decision to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. Many would pay good money to hear that conversation.
It wouldn't be a surprise for Perez to throw his toys out of the pram after getting played at his own game of greed. That mentality is clearly deep rooted at Madrid as Karim Benzema — who has wanted Mbappe to join him at the Bernabeu for some time — shared an image on social media that subtly depicted betrayal following the announcement that the forward had decided to stay in Paris.
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"When I go to the France national team I will explain to Karim Benzema why I have stayed at PSG because we have a good relationship," Mpappe said yesterday. Mbappe only needs to show Benzema his payslip to explain why he stayed.
Mbappe is now the highest paid player in the world. Mbappe has committed to PSG for their endless questionable millions, not for sporting reasons or the club's history. PSG have their own Galactico front three with Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi, but they've still never won the Champions League. Obscene wealth does not guarantee European pedigree, just ask Manchester City.
However, Mbappe's decision to snub Real Madrid will affect the rest of Europe and that includes Manchester United. Real were prepared to spend millions on Mbappe and they're now back at the transfer table with a surplus of cash they didn't use.
Madrid can afford any player they want in the market now that Mbappe has turned them down. They've also been publicly embarrassed after the transfer saga with Mbappe and that's bound to fuel the egotistical Perez in the Bernabeu boardroom.
United have endured their worst season for decades and they're playing Europa League football next term, but new manager Erik ten Hag will be ambitious in the transfer market and his plans could clash with players Madrid also have an interest in.
Two such names are Darwin Nunez and Aurelien Tchouameni, who have both been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford and the Bernebeu. United can't currently compete with Madrid on the pitch but the allure of the club will always remain to some extent.
If United and Madrid share an interest in a player this summer, it seems highly likely the transfer target would choose the latter after the Reds recorded their worst Premier League points total in a season. You'd be very suspicious of their intentions if they didn't.
Madrid wouldn't be vying for the same targets as United if Mbappe had signed on the dotted line. The Frenchman chose to stay with PSG instead and an embarrassed, cash-rich Madrid in the market isn't good news for other clubs with ambition around Europe.
Ten Hag will make multiple signings this summer as he begins rebuilding United.
His plans might have to be fluid now Madrid are back in the market.
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