As the build up to Real Madrid’s second leg against PSG begins, El Pais have thrown a little grenade towards the French club, and Manchester City take a role as supporting actor.
The Spanish newspaper report Neymar doesn’t feel comfortable with Kylian Mbappe, so PSG are considering selling the French striker.
An idea is brewing which would see Mbappe go to Barcelona and Philippe Coutinho and a big chunk of cash go the other way. That would keep Neymar happy because Coutinho is his ‘best friend in football’.
Mbappe and Neymar trouble is talked up, with it being suggested the former isn’t receiving passes from PSG’s Brazilian players, all in some kind of plan to support the latter.
Given the rumours of something being wrong, Barcelona and Manchester City have ‘expressed the desire’ to sign Mbappe and save him from this PSG hell.
Pep Guardiola obviously doesn’t need Mbappe, but it’s fair to say Manchester City were linked repeatedly before the player moved to PSG.
There’s a couple of things in this story which would raise an eyebrow.
Firstly, Coutinho only wanted Barcelona. That was made abundantly clear repeatedly. He’d lived in the city before and really wanted to play for the Blaugrana, and surely the former Liverpool player would have some say.
Secondly, PSG fans may not be so happy if Mbappe is sacrificed at the altar of Neymar. Sure, the club’s supporters were thrilled with the Brazilian’s signing but there’s already been some murmurings he’s not universally loved, and the feeling he’s still angling for a Real Madrid future won’t go away.
Mbappe is from Paris, which won’t be lost on the club’s fans, and they wouldn’t like to see him go to Manchester City, Barcelona or anywhere else.
With this story already all over the European media, it points to more trouble brewing at PSG, which is an awkward story for them as the crucial Real Madrid return leg appears on the horizon.
