Jorge Valdano: “Mbappe is further from Real Madrid than ever before”

Kylian Mbappe delivered one of the biggest nights in his young career against Barcelona on Tuesday. A hat trick in the Camp Nou cemented his spot as one of the best players in all of world football, eclipsing Lionel Messi on the biggest stage. Jorge Valdano took to Spanish radio, on air with Onda Cero, to analyze Mbappe’s situation.

“He [Mbappe] has the personality to demonstrate his quality on the biggest stage and in the most important matches,” Valdano explained.

“After tonight, Mbappe is further from Real Madrid than ever before. He can ask for a €30 million salary, the same as Neymar, and only PSG can offer that amount.”

Valdano went on to dismiss any move from PSG for Lionel Messi as there is little motive according to the former Real Madrid sporting director. “I don’t see PSG very interested right now in swapping Mbappe for Messi. Mbappe changed the scale of values ​​tonight.”

Valdano then went on to discuss Erling Haaland, suggesting Madrid should identify the Norwegian as their next big goal scorer. “Mbappe is more complete than Haaland, but I think Madrid needs a scorer like the Norwegian. Haaland is the Mario Kempes of the 21st century,” Valdano told Onda Cero.

Florentino Perez was trending on social media after the PSG - Barcelona match with Real Madrid fans desperate for Mbappe’s signature. There has always been a connection between Madrid and Mbappe, but the financial constraints imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic may impede their ability to do a deal for the French star. If Mbappe truly dreams of playing for Real Madrid, he may have to limit his earning potential.