Former France defender Marcel Desailly has advised his compatriot Kylian Mbappe to steer clear of a move to Real Madrid and pursue a lucrative opportunity in Saudi Arabia instead.
Mbappe is anticipated to imminently confirm his transfer to Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Reports have suggested that Real Madrid hesitated to formalise the transfer while there was still a possibility of a Champions League final showdown with PSG.
Despite the apparent inevitability of Mbappe’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Desailly has urged the young star to explore alternative options.
Speaking to beIN Sports, the former Chelsea player remarked, “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.”
🚨 The current Ballon d’Or favourites based on live odds-on:
1. Bellingham
2. Vinicius Jr
3. Kylian Mbappe
4. Harry Kane
5. Toni Kroos pic.twitter.com/qKB0Q3vcRW— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 9, 2024
“There is Vinicius Jr. on the left-hand side, [and] players who are showing great ability like Jude Bellingham. [Mbappé] will not be the full number one the way that he wants [to be]. Technically, if you’re thinking about the business of football, I would go to Saudi for €350m for a year, come back next season, the year 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.
