The saga surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s potential move to Real Madrid has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. While sources have indicated that he is in talks to sign a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), nothing has been confirmed yet. Mbappé initially signed a three-year contract in 2022 but later it was revealed that the deal included an option for a third year that could only be activated by the player. As Mbappé chose not to activate this option, the speculation about his future intensified. In response, PSG were open to offers and even accepted a world-record €300m bid from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. However, Mbappé rejected the offer, and after the signing of Ousmane Dembélé and the departure of Neymar, he decided to reconsider his position. It is likely that Mbappé will eventually join Real Madrid, but the details of his new contract, including a potential release clause, are still unknown.
Adrien Rabiot’s Uncertain Future
Adrien Rabiot’s contract situation at Juventus has also been a subject of speculation. Last June, he signed a one-year extension to his contract, effectively delaying a long-term decision about his future. The French international has been an important player for Juventus, contributing three goals and three assists in 16 games this season. While fans hope for Rabiot to sign a longer contract, his future remains uncertain.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, two key players for Real Madrid, are entering the final year of their contracts. Modric, 37, has been with Madrid since 2012 and has achieved great success during his time at the club. However, he is no longer the central force he once was and faces increasing competition for playing time. Modric’s dissatisfaction with his current situation raises the possibility of him extending his career elsewhere.
Kroos, 33, had considered early retirement before his recent resurgence in form. The German midfielder has made it clear that he plans to retire at Real Madrid, meaning other clubs will miss out on the opportunity to acquire his skills on a free transfer.
The Young Talents: Barco, Zielinski, and Kelly
Ezequiel Barco, a promising young left-back, has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Brighton, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool. His contract with Boca Juniors expires in December 2024, and he already has a $20m release clause. However, Barco might choose to negotiate new terms that could increase the release clause and benefit Boca Juniors financially in case of a future transfer.
Piotr Zielinski, a key player for Napoli, is reportedly seeking an increase in wages as he approaches what might be one of his last contracts. Inter Milan has shown interest in signing him on a free transfer, which could be a significant blow to Napoli if they fail to secure his future at the club.
In the case of Lloyd Kelly, Bournemouth may live to regret rejecting a £20m offer from Tottenham in the summer. The versatile defender’s contract is set to expire, and if he doesn’t sign a new deal, the club could lose him for nothing. AC Milan, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are among the growing list of potential suitors.
Players on the Fringes: Eric Dier and Thiago Alcantara
Eric Dier seems to be out of favor with Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Ange Postecoglou. Dier has seen limited game time this season and has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, as they recently signed his former teammate Harry Kane. Other Premier League clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Fulham, have also expressed an interest. While he could run down his contract and leave on a free transfer, it is unlikely that he will feature prominently for the rest of the season.
Thiago Alcantara joined Liverpool amidst a midfield reshuffle in the summer. However, injuries have limited his impact, and it remains to be seen if Liverpool will extend his contract. With the Saudi Pro League luring several Liverpool players recently, Thiago could also be a potential target.
The uncertainty surrounding the contracts of these high-profile players adds intrigue to the football landscape. Will Kylian Mbappé finally make the long-awaited move to Real Madrid? Can PSG convince Adrien Rabiot to commit to a long-term contract? Will Luka Modric and Toni Kroos find new challenges or extend their stay at Real Madrid? The future of these players and others mentioned in this article will undoubtedly shape the next transfer market and influence the destinies of their respective clubs.