Kylian Mbappe: Why PSG Star Was in Barcelona With Hakimi Amid Real Madrid Transfer Links

Kylian Mbappe: Why PSG Star Was in Barcelona With Hakimi Amid Real Madrid Transfer Links

Elijah Odetokun
February 21, 2024 at 7:46 AM
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  • Kylian Mbappe has confirmed his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain
  • Spanish giants Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign him as a free agent
  • The French national team captain was spotted in Barcelona yesterday

Kylian Mbappe was spotted in Barcelona yesterday and has possibly given some hope to Barcelona fans that their club is still in the race to sign the France star.

After seven years at the club, Mbappe confirmed his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain last week when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Kylian Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain, Nantes, Ligue 1.
Kylian Mbappe celebrates with Achraf Hakimi after scoring PSG's second goal against Nantes. Photo by Jean Catuffe.
Source: Getty Images

Real Madrid are favourites to secure the services of the 25-year-old having been actively pursuing him since the summer of 2021, but have yet to be successful.

Per Foot Mercato, an agreement was in place in January despite denial from both parties as PSG have yet to receive confirmation of his decision not to renew.

Why Mbappe was in Barcelona

Barcelona reportedly considered attempting the French attacker, but the financial package of the deal put them off. Their fans still hope for a miracle.

Per COPE journalist Victor Navarro, Mbappe was in the Catalonian city on Tuesday with his best friend in Paris and Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi.

The former Madrid star shared a photo of himself playing a small table tennis game on a private plane, but the sought-after winger made his movements private.

The reporter clarified via Diario Sport that the two were in the city for leisure, and their trip had no links to any transfer. They visited the renowned Botafumeiro restaurant, one of Joan Laporta’s favourite spots.

Luis Enrique gave the players two days off after their 2-0 away win over Nantes. Both players came off the bench, with the winger scoring the second goal. They gave out their shirts to fans afterwards.

Four reasons Barcelona won't sign Mbappe

Sports Brief analysed why Barcelona won't sign Mbappe despite rumours reporting that the club made an internal consideration to move for the player when he becomes a free agent in June.

The Blaugrana’s terrible financial state tops the list as it will require an enormous amount to complete the deal, including making him the club's highest-paid player.

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.