Mauricio Pochettino makes Kylian Mbappe future claim amid Real Madrid links

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that he expects Kylian Mbappe to ‘100%’ stay at the club amid links to Real Madrid.

Speaking to the media ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 clash against RC Strasbourg, manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that he expects Kylian Mbappe to remain at Parc des Princes beyond the current season amidst rumours linking the forward to Real Madrid.

Mbappe has been with PSG since 2017 when he signed from AS Monaco. Arriving initially on loan, the 23-year-old was signed permanently in 2018. During his five years at the club, the forward has reached great heights, firmly establishing himself as one of the best attackers in the game.

However, Mbappe’s future at PSG has been a topic of speculation for quite some time now. Real Madrid made attempts to sign the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner last summer but were turned away by PSG each time. However, with the striker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Los Blancos are confident of getting their man in the summer later this year.

But, manager Mauricio Pochettino has cast doubts over a potential move to the Bernabeu, stating that he expects Mbappe to remain at Parc des Princes. When quizzed about the future of Mbappe as well as his own, the Argentine tactician said (h/t GOAL): “100 per cent in both cases.”

?“One hundred percent.”

?Mauricio Pochettino when asked if Kylian Mbappe will be at @PSG_Inside next season. pic.twitter.com/2XWlgx7VGF

— SPORF (@Sporf) April 28, 2022

It’s my feeling today, what I perceive today. That’s what I can say now. Of course, it’s football and you never know what can happen. But when asked on what I think today, that’s my answer,” he added.

Earlier in the week, PSG director Leonardo had also expressed optimism about keeping hold of Mbappe. The recently-crowned French champions have been desperately trying to convince the 23-year-old to continue at Parc des Princes beyond the current campaign but have been unsuccessful so far.

But in light of increased demands made by Mbappe’s camp, there may be some chance that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner ends up staying put at the French capital club in case Real Madrid decide against fulfilling the forward’s demands. With the summer window not very far, a clearer picture of the forward’s future should emerge in the coming days.