Why Sign Mbappé Now When He Becomes a Free Agent in 2022 Anyway?

Sports journalist Josep Pedrerol was the first to report a proposed deal between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain concerning the transfer of French football legend Kylian Mbappé. Although he received a lot of criticism for his performance at the EURO 2020, especially his missed penalty that cost the French the title, he still remains one of the best footballers today. His addition to any team clearly bends the football betting odds in their favour.

mbappe

Signing a high-profile player always seems to be a good idea – except in Mbappé’s case this year. The thing is, the player’s contract with PSG expires next summer, with no extension deal in place. So, why should Real offer 160 million euros (rumoured) for the Frenchman when they could just wait and sign him as a free agent next year?

The value of a name

Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé – these are not just names, they are also brands. These brands are associated with certain values – high-profile players on the turf in the case of the clubs, and high-quality football in the case of the players. This year, PSG added one of the most recognizable footballers to its squad – Lionel Messi. Real, apparently, wants to do the same by signing Mbappé.

To be able to function in a satisfactory way both for their fans and their owners, clubs have to find ways to better serve their public. One of the best ways to do so is to add such names to their roster that are already established in their own right. These names will ensure that the fans are satisfied, and so are the potential sponsors, not to mention the owners of the clubs.

And these things have to be done no matter the hardships.

PSG offset the balance

The market for football players has a limited number of established “big names”. And PSG currently has four of them: aside from the above-mentioned Mbappé, there’s also Messi, Neymar, and legendary defender Sergio Ramos. These players are not only important from a professional point of view, helping PSG win matches in prestigious tournaments, but also as brands guaranteed to fill the grandstands for every match, all over the world. The name “Messi” alone ensured that Barcelona sold 80% of tickets on match days – and now his star power has shifted over to PSG.

Why is it worth signing Mbappé this year?

Obviously, because of his star power. Today, PSG has a “dream team” similar to Real’s “Galácticos” in the 2000s (with Figo, Zidane and Beckham playing together with Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos). This means that it can grab the lion’s share of the revenues on the market purely through the players’ star power. Obviously, the other clubs want their share – and to do so, they have to sign either football stars or up-and-coming “pretenders”. So, yes, Real signing Mbappé this year does have a sense.

AbrahamTips

An experienced tipster and big football lover.