Matteo Moretto's Transfer Column: Inside the Kylian Mbappe-Real Madrid move and future Julen Lopetegui
Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest business dominating the newspapers in Spain, as revealed in the Daily briefing.
They told me that Kylian Mbappe, when he communicated the decision to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, he told him that it was not a matter of money, but up to personal goals and trying to compete at the highest level in another league and another environment. Basically, it's about the sporting side and not the money.
Mbappé has already said yes to Real Madrid, and there are only ends to tie, he will sign for less money than he could earn at Paris Saint-Germain. He communicated his decision to PSG on Tuesday, and he already has in mind where he will play next season, he always had the dream of playing for Real Madrid.
If he didn't achieve that dream this year, it was almost impossible for it to happen, since he is a free agent this summer. It's just a few small steps to tie, it's already decided, and it's clear that it's about the sporting side – PSG knows that he'll earn less money than he would have with them.
The important step was to tell PSG that he was not going to renew with them, but he already had this in mind in December. It was clear that he wanted a change, he was looking for a new challenge. That's what it's all about. We are not sure when the official announcement will come, Jude Bellingham was made a month before the announcement to Real Madrid, so it is not decided.
Nothing has changed, I am not that close to a deal, but my information is that nothing has changed. Enrique Cerezo clearly has something to say to that effect, but they are no closer to a deal than they were. There are still negotiations to come for Mario Hermoso.
They started moving a few weeks ago. They have not yet made direct contact with anyone, but for example, Rafael Leao knows that PSG is a possibility for him this summer, that they are careful. With Victor Osimhen, he is very appreciated by the Sporting Councilor Luis Campos, who tried to sign him last summer, but it remains to be seen how everything would fit, because they already have Randal Kolo Muani.
PSG has a short list, there are players who know perfectly well that PSG could be an option for them, but there is nothing concrete, so it will develop in the coming months.
Milan is focused on the league and the Europa League. At the end of the season, the two sides meet to discuss what to do next and come to a decision. Clearly, Milan should be prepared and have different options in mind. One of those options is Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui has and still has offers in the Premier League, but he is waiting for the right project to convince him. The Rossoneri have a list of two or three managers, but everything is still to be resolved.
