Matteo Moretto Transfer Column: Inside the Kylian Mbappe-Real Madrid move

Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest deals dominating the papers in Spain, as revealed in the Daily Briefing.

They’ve told me that Kylian Mbappe, when he communicated the decision to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, he told him that it wasn’t a matter of money, but down to personal goals and trying to compete at the top level in another league and another environment. Basically, it’s about the sporting side of it and not the money.

Mbappe has already said yes to Real Madrid, and there are just loose ends to tie up, he will sign for less money than he could have earned at Paris Saint-Germain. He communicated his decision to PSG on Tuesday, and he already has in mind where he will play next season, he has always had the dream of playing for Real Madrid.

If he didn’t fulfil that dream this year, it was almost impossible that it would happen, as he is a free agent this summer. It’s just a few small loose ends to tie up, it’s already decided, and he’s clear that it’s about the sporting side – PSG know he will earn less money than he would have with them.

The important step was to tell PSG that he was not going to renew with them, but he already had that in mind in December. He was clear that he wanted a change, he was looking for a new challenge. That’s what this is about. We’re not sure when the official announcement will come, Jude Bellingham was done a month before they announced it at Real Madrid, so that’s not yet decided.

Nothing has changed, they aren’t that close to a deal, but my information is that nothing has changed. Enrique Cerezo clearly has to say something to that effect, but they are no closer on a deal than they were. There are still negotiations to come for Mario Hermoso.

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