Thierry Henry Gives Honest Take on Kylian Mbappé-Real Madrid Summer Saga

Those inside and outside Real Madrid’s front office are preparing for another run at Kylian Mbappé. After a second straight summer without the Frenchman arriving in the Spanish capital, perhaps the third time is the charm.

Mbappé is playing this 2023–24 season on an expiring contract, and as a result, Los Blancos hopes to acquire the winger as a free agent. Nonetheless, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner not already at Real Madrid or at least playing abroad is a surprise for some.

Former Arsenal and FC Barcelona star Thierry Henry weighed in on the summer transfer saga involving the Paris Saint-Germain forward and Real Madrid. 

“Should Mbappé go abroad? I’ll be honest: I thought he was going to leave,” Henry said. “I think everyone thought so. He respected what he said. He’s still there. There is one thing that always caught my attention. It is that he always wants to play.”

Thierry Henry: "Should Mbappé go abroad? I'll be honest, I thought he was going to leave, I think everyone thought so. He respected what he said. He's still there. There is one thing that always caught my attention, it is that he always wants to play." pic.twitter.com/jhuXpNuosj

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 17, 2023

The French national team captain decided not to trigger the option to extend his contract until 2025. As a result, many assumed that he was leaving the French capital. However, after a dialogue and several roster changes, the mood changed.

Mbappé will be at the center of the PSG project, playing alongside teammates he knows, such as Lucas Hernandez, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembélé. Nonetheless, at some point, the Frenchman will need to decide on his future, whether to stay or go.

Real Madrid can begin talks in January when they can sign him to a pre-contract.