PSG considered a move for Real Madrid superstar in 2019 | OneFootball

As Real Madrid gear up for a high-octane FIFA Club World Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain tonight, it is perhaps worth revisiting the scarred relationship between the two clubs.

The tension between Real Madrid and PSG went rock bottom last year, when the Kylian Mbappe saga finally to an end, with the Frenchman joining Los Blancos on a free transfer.

However, a recent report from AS has revealed that PSG had anticipated Real Madrid’s move to sign Mbappe long back.

PSG wanted to sign Vinicius in 2019

As per the report, Real Madrid initially tried to sign Mbappe in 2019, when the forward was looking out of place in Paris as many believed that Neymar was the centerpiece of the PSG project.

Anticipating a potential exit and Real Madrid’s subsequent attempt to sign Mbappe, then PSG sporting director Leonardo sought to secure the services of Vinicius Jr.

PSG wanted to sign the Brazilian international as a direct counter-attack to Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mbappe.

PSG wanted to sign Vinicius in 2019. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Leonardo even proposed a sort of swap deal involving the two players, while demanding additional financial compension from Real Madrid.

Leonardo considered Vinicius a ‘future world star’ and wanted him to line him up alongside compatriot Neymar in the PSG frontline.

However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had no desire to offload one of the club’s prized assets and the negotiations never quite moved forward.

PSG remain interested in Vinicius

Interestingly, the report claims that PSG still remain interested in the services of Vinicius, knowing his delicate situation at Real Madrid.

The Brazilian international is still yet to sign a long-term contract agreement with Los Blancos and the offers from Saudi Arabia have been hard to ignore.

This puts PSG in a position where they can potentially try to take advantage of any emerging market opportunity.