Sports
Florentino Perez prepares his most daring raid yet… but will Real Madrid land either Neymar or Kylian Mbappe?
Real Madrid have been keen to sign both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for some time.
Los Blancos have long been linked with both of Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking stars, both Ballon d’Or candidates.
President Florentino Perez has been keen to take Neymar back to Spain after his world record switch from Barcelona to PSG 12 months ago.
But Mbappe’s star continues to rise, after a shining in France’s World Cup win, and he has been monitored by the European giants since his early teens.
He has begun the new season in scintillating fashion, scoring twice after coming off the bench to hand PSG a 3-1 win at Guingamp in his first match back last weekend – a match in which Neymar also scored.
Now, before the close of the Spanish transfer window next week, Perez is waiting to pounce if PSG are forced into a decision over their two prized assets.
That Madrid are yet to replace Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a mere coincidence.
According to Sport, the 13-time European Cup winners have put aside £270million to move for either player next week, if UEFA punish PSG over Financial Fair Play.
Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui is keen on Spain striker Rodrigo from Valencia, but Perez is yet to pull the trigger as he’s unconvinced and remains hopeful on landing one of the marquee pair. Iago Aspas, the ex-Liverpool striker, is another name in the frame.
UEFA reopened its investigation into PSG in July, just a month after it had closed the case.
“In light of the recent decision of the Club Financial Control Body chief investigator to close the investigation into Paris Saint-Germain – which commenced on 1 September 2017 – the chairman of the CFCB has decided to send this decision for review by the adjudicatory chamber.”
The French champions spent £200million to sign Neymar last year, and have similarly spent £166million to turn Mbappe’s loan move from Monaco permanent this summer, although when that fee is to be paid and how remains in question.
European football’s governing body did so at the behest of La Liga chief Javier Tebas, who told AS on Wednesday: “It’s true that at the start of the summer, we asked Uefa to reopen the investigation into PSG.”
Tebas, who last week announced a deal to see at least one La Liga match per season played in the United States or Canada, as he seeks to further monetize the league, has been outspoken on what he perceives as clubs ‘financially doping’ in the past, notably the French side and Manchester City.
The investigation is designed to see both whether PSG are guilty of doing just that – effectively by paying for Neymar and Mbappe with money directly from Qatar rather than club revenues – and how much PSG need to balance the books.
If PSG cannot prove the value of their sponsorship deals and that outside money wasn’t used to sign either star, and are subsequently sanctioned then they will face stiff sanctions.
UEFA cannot ban PSG from buying players but, according to AS, they could block payments to Monaco and thus send the Bondy-born teen back to Monaco. That would allow Perez to pounce.
However, Mbappe recently told reporters: “I will stay with PSG, continuing on my path with them. I am at the beginning of my career.”
Alternatively, they could instead sell Neymar for in excess of what they paid 12 months ago; again Perez would be waiting.
Such a move would have been deemed impossible by PSG chiefs earlier this year, but Mbappe’s continued growth has increasingly led to questions over whether it is he rather than the Brazilian who is now most important at the Parc des Princes.
Indeed, from Neymar’s perspective, a move back to Spain certainly appeals. There is no smoke without fire, whatever the official line, and Brazilian broadcasters have also decided against buying Ligue 1 TV rights, such is the feeling in his homeland that a move to Madrid is in the offing.
With UEFA set to rule on August 30, Madrid chiefs would have until the end of August 31 to potentially land a world record deal.
For Perez, the man who brought in the ‘Galacticos’ era at the Bernabeu, it could be his most daring raid yet.
If PSG aren’t forced to part with either Mbappe or Neymar, then ex-Bolton loanee Rodrigo or former Liverpool flop Aspas, who has restored his reputation back in Spain, could be the big winner.
Former Arsenal star, Jack Wilshere, has sent a message to the Gunners ahead of their UEFA Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal will take on the French Ligue 1 giants in the Champions League final this year in Budapest on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side had lost 3-1 on aggregate against PSG in the Champions League semi-final stage last year.
Speaking on TNT Sports (via GOAL), Wilshere remembered Arsenal about their last year’s defeat to PSG and urged them to use it as a revenge to get a win against Luis Enrique’s side when both sides meet again this weekend.
“Now that the Premier League is over the line, I know that the Premier League was the one. I know that Mikel wanted that. I know that the boys wanted that,” Wilshere said.
“Now you have to go through some tough times and learn from it. I hope that the Champions League semi-final [PSG 3-1 Arsenal] last year hurt them enough that they can go on and use that [against PSG].
“I think when you are on the pitch, and you are playing against your direct opponent, you learn so much about them. And to face them next year, they will be better for that.”
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, has said the team is determined to become the best women’s football team in the world.
Ajibade spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a reception hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of the Falcons following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Nigerian ladies clinched their 10th continental title after a hard-fought campaign, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.
Ajibade, in an emotional speech, said the team’s goal goes beyond continental glory.
“We’re not content to rest on our laurels. Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world,” the Atletico Madrid star said.
She described herself as “a proud daughter of Nigeria” and paid tribute to the dreams of young girls across the country who look up to the team.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream,” she said.
Ajibade, who spoke on behalf of the team, coaches, and technical crew, thanked the Federal Government for its support and appealed for continued investment in women’s football.
President Tinubu, in his address, conferred national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew.
The President also approved the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each team member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player, while members of the technical team received $50,000 each.
He praised the Falcons for lifting the nation’s spirit and inspiring unity through their performance.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said.
“You have inspired me too. You represent the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you and the next generation.”
The President said the Falcons’ WAFCON victory was not just a sporting feat but a symbol of the courage, discipline and resilience that define Nigerians.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” he said.
The reception was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, and stakeholders in the football community.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Super Falcons on their historic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The Falcons, who came from two goals down to seal the win in Rabat, clinched their 10th WAFCON title—further cementing their status as the most successful team in the history of the competition. Reacting to the victory, Oseni described the performance as “a warrior’s triumph that speaks volumes about the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the team’s resilience should serve as a symbol of hope and unity for the entire nation. “They refused to surrender. That comeback from two goals down defines who we are as Nigerians—strong, focused, and unstoppable when united,” he said.
The Falcons had gone behind in the 13th minute when Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak capitalised on a loose ball to fire past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The hosts doubled their lead through Sanaâ Mssoudy before halftime, putting Nigeria on the back foot before the break.
However, second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini turned the game on its head, securing victory for Coach Justin Madugu’s side and avenging their 2024 semi-final loss to the North Africans. Oseni also hailed Madugu’s tactical brilliance, describing him as “the architect of a new chapter in women’s football in Nigeria.”
The lawmaker who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) joined other national figures, including President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in celebrating the Falcons. The President had earlier taken to his verified social media accounts to praise the team’s performance, declaring, “Mission X: Complete!” while Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, described it as a flawless display of Nigerian spirit.
Oseni urged the Falcons not to rest on their laurels but to build on the momentum ahead of their title defence and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “This is just the beginning. You have inspired millions of girls across the continent. Keep flying the flag and keep making Nigeria proud,” he added.
He also called on sports authorities and private stakeholders to invest more in women’s football, noting that the team’s success was proof of the untapped potential in the sector. “We have global stars in the making. Now is the time to give them the platform and support they truly deserve,” the lawmaker submitted.
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