Ferland Mendy is reportedly open to giving up his shirt number to imminent Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe appears set to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Real in a blockbuster transfer this summer.
Reports claim the Frenchman has been eyeing the number five shirt, which was worn by the player’s idol Zinedine Zidane during his storied time at the club.
However, the 22-year-old could sport the number 23 shirt – with Mendy prepared to give it up to his good friend, according to AS.
👕🇫🇷 Ferland Mendy is open to giving his shirt number (#23) to his good friend Mbappé. @diarioas
— Infinite Madrid (@InfiniteMadrid) August 27, 2021
It’s suggested that the shirt number is in reference to basketball icon Michael Jordan who wore 23 at Chicago Bulls.
David Beckham also wore number 23 at Real following his ‘Galactico’ move from Manchester United.
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| Image: PA |
The Spanish giants are confident of landing Mbappe after tabling a staggering £145 million bid.
PSG sporting director Leonardo spoke about the situation regarding one of their prized assets.
He told RMC Sports via GFFN: “Kylian Mbappe wants to leave, that seems clear. If Real Madrid are making an offer, that seems clear… Me I am giving a position, that, I think, is clear for everyone.
“We cannot, the week before the end of the window, change our plans. If he wants to leave, we will not hold him back, but on our terms.
“We do not plan to speak with Real Madrid again. The deadline is 31st August at midnight. That is how the transfer window works, for us it is clear: we keep him and we extend him.
“But we are not going to allow someone to leave for a fee of less than we paid for him when we still owe Monaco money.
“We are not preparing anything on the market at the moment. He has another year on his contract, we want to extend him.
“We have never thought about a Plan B. We have created a very positive atmosphere. We are not going to let anyone change that.”
Featured Image Credit: PA