If the deal for Kylian Mbappe falls through, Real Madrid is set to target Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. Mbappe has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid and could sign as a free agent at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer. In a statement released on Saturday, Los Blancos responded to completely false rumours that they had conducted conversations with Mbappe.
However, according to the German daily BILD, Bayern starlet Musiala might be Real Madrid’s Plan B if they fail to get Mbappe. Musiala, who is only 20 years old, has already made 138 appearances and scored 35 goals for Bayern Munich. At the recent Ballon d’Or awards, he came second behind Jude Bellingham in the run for the Kopa Trophy.
Jamal Musiala played alongside Bellingham in England’s junior divisions at the U15, U17, and U21 levels. Bellingham might reunite if the Bayern Munich star moves to the Santiago Bernabeu. According to BILD, Bayern would have to nearly increase Musiala’s £6.9m-a-year pay to keep the sought-after teenager.
Man City are also interested in Musiala, with Pep Guardiola seeing him as the ‘legitimate successor’ to Kevin De Bruyne, the club’s 32-year-old star. Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen recently stated that the Bundesliga giants would do well to retain their talent “for as long as possible.”
Musiala made his debut in Bundesliga for Bayern Munich against Freiburg in June 2020, at the age of 17 years and 115 days. Last season, he had his greatest season to date, scoring 16 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. This season, he has four goals and three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.
However, Mbappe will remain Madrid’s top priority next summer. Mappe declined to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 club, i sparking a new controversy. It remains to be seen whether the French teenager will be able to fulfil his dream Bernabeu move next summer.