Real Madrid continue to admire PSG defender after ruling out his signing in 2020 | OneFootball

Over the past year or so, PSG left-back Nuno Mendes has established himself as one of the best in his position, delivering consistent displays under Luis Enrique and playing a key part in the team’s success.

A treble-winner with the Parisian giants, the 23-year-old left-back is also a UEFA Nations League champion with the Portuguese national team.

The defender is now targeting another trophy with PSG, having made it to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where he will face Real Madrid.

Real Madrid wanted to sign Nuno Mendes in 2020

Now, according to MARCA, Real Madrid were very interested in signing Nuno Mendes back in 2020, but closed the doors on a move due to the Covid pandemic.

The year 2020 forced many clubs to rethink their plans. Real Madrid shut the door on incoming transfers while negotiating salary reductions with both players and executives.

These measures helped stabilise the club financially during the pandemic but came at the cost of stalling several ongoing operations and delaying or abandoning targets, including Mendes.

The youngster was still at Sporting CP at that time and Real Madrid were closely monitoring him, as were several other top clubs.

Nuno Mendes is greatly admired by Real Madrid. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The left-back position had been identified as a priority at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Mendes was the standout candidate. Internal reports suggested he could be a decade-long solution – a player with the potential to be game-changing.

However, the possibility of signing Mendes collapsed during that summer. The decision was clear: no transfers during a period when clubs’ revenues had plummeted.

While Real Madrid waited, his agent, Jorge Mendes, directed the player’s path toward PSG. Although he remained at Sporting at the time, it was evident that his future was aligned with the Parisian club.

Real Madrid’s relations with Jorge Mendes were not ideal either at that time and as PSG made a strong push, and the Merengues were left to look elsewhere.

Real Madrid still like Mendes

As per the report, there is clear admiration for Mendes’ game within Real Madrid. In Valdebebas, they recognise his impact at PSG and with the Portuguese national team. He is highly rated within the club.

Luis Enrique has since given the 23-year-old the structure and space he needed to grow into a top-level player at PSG.

However, despite there having been some links, Real Madrid have made no move for the Portuguese defender, who recently extended his contract with PSG until 2029.

Instead, the Merengues full focus is on signing Alvaro Carreras from SL Benfica to reinforce the left-back position.