How Barcelona could have kept Kylian Mbappé away from Real Madrid | OneFootball

La Liga giants Barcelona could have all but put an end to the hopes of arch rivals Real Madrid bringing in Kylian Mbappé, had they acted more decisively a full seven years ago.

The name of frontman Mbappé has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Spain over the course of the last 12 hours.

This comes after the Frenchman’s long-awaited move to the aforementioned Real Madrid was finally made official.

Following a transfer saga spanning several years, Mbappé has committed to terms with Los Blancos all the way through the summer of 2029.

As much has only seen the balance of power in Spain tip ever further in favour of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real, who, fresh off a domestic and European double, have swiftly followed up by adding another of the continent’s standout players to their ranks.

As alluded to above, though, had the Barcelona board made the right decision back in 2017, it is likely that Real Madrid never would have gotten their hands on Mbappé.

Speaking during an appearance on El Chiringuito TV, as cited by Diario Sport, this week, Javier Bordas, ex-Barca sporting director, revealed that:

“If I had been in charge, Mbappé would have played for Barça.”

Bordas alleges that, following the world-record sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé, still at Monaco at the time, was identified as a leading target to replace the Brazilian.

Discussions with the France international’s father, in turn, took place, with all signs having pointed towards an agreement between the parties being on the cards.

In the end, however, Bordas was overruled, with the Blaugrana brass having opted to splash out on Ousmane Dembélé, instead.

And the rest, as they say, is history…

Conor Laird | GSFN