‘They have a problem’ – Laporta comments on Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid

With Barcelona embroiled in a financial crisis, envisioning the arrival of star names in the upcoming summer transfer window is currently considered a pipe dream.

In fact, the Catalan giants may be required to sell some big names, with the likes of Ronald Araujo and Raphinha amassing interest, to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations.

Meanwhile, their rivals Real Madrid face no such financial limitations, with the Merengues reported to enjoy a big summer ahead.

Kylian Mbappe is one of the players anticipated to join the Madrid outfit after it was confirmed he would be leaving PSG as a free agent at the end of the season.

Offering his perspective on the highly plausible scenario of Mbappe joining Real Madrid, Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave a rather interesting viewpoint to Mundo Deportivo.

No envy

Regarding questions about Kylian Mbappe’s alleged move to Real Madrid, Laporta deviates from the prevailing narrative, dismissing the notion that signing the Frenchman would give their arch-rivals a major edge.

Mbappe on his way to Real Madrid. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the president, if the deal materializes, it might cause problems for Real Madrid. Laporta expects his comments to create a tense environment in the Real Madrid camp.

When asked if he envies Madrid, he replied: “Not at all, not at all. Besides, I don’t know if they will or won’t do it. We’ll see.” 

Laporta then highlighted the potential dilemma Real Madrid face in accommodating Mbappe and existing players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, hinting at the necessity of offloading personnel to accommodate the Frenchman.

Given the nature of his claim, he was quizzed if he had information, but Laporta simply stated, “No, I have intuition. That’s where they have a problem. They have to sell a player (if Mbappé arrives), don’t they? Because they’re not both going to play in the same place and they’re also very important players.”

Furthermore, he anticipated Mbappe’s salary and bonuses to cause some problems in the Real Madrid locker room, saying:

“And talking about the figures that will be there, this will distort the dressing room for sure. That doesn’t come as a gift.”

These statements come a day after Barcelona sporting director Deco claimed Real Madrid could face tactical problems to fit Mbappe in their team.