Explaining why Real Madrid refused to sign Mbappe

As things stand right now, Real Madrid have decided not to sign the promising striker Kylian Mbappé. Los Blancos had it all sorted out with Monaco but the player wanted a better salary, one that nobody other than PSG would be willing to offer —although he will need to wait one season to join Neymar and Co—. Not even Monaco, who have been trying to sign Mbappe to an extension all season long, will give the attacker the €18 million/year he wants.

That kind of contract would surely unsettle the whole Real Madrid roster. Why should Mbappe earn more than Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric or Toni Kroos? Players like Marco Asensio, Isco or Casemiro would earn not even half of Mbappe’s salary. Would that be fair?

Real Madrid decided not to improve their current offer —€7 million— and if Mbappe doesn’t agree to those terms Los Blancos will not reopen their negotiations with Monaco. Los Blancos are not in desperate need of such a signing and they chose to keep this roster in good spirits without thinking too much about their salaries.

The young attacker could still reconsider his decision but right now it looks like Madrid will pass on Kylian Mbappe. Los Blancos were willing to match any offer for the player but they pumped the brakes when they saw the kind of contract Mbappe wanted.