Real Madrid Divided Over Number 9 Dilemma: Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane?

Real Madrid appears to have wrapped up most of their transfer business, except for one crucial matter—the vacant number 9 shirt. Following Karim Benzema’s departure, there remains a debate within the club about who should assume the coveted position.

The prevailing likelihood is that Real Madrid will bide their time amidst the impasse between Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain, aiming to secure the French forward on their fourth attempt. However, Graeme Bailey, speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, revealed an internal divide within the Spanish club regarding the preferred course of action.

“I’m told there is a real split in the Madrid camp between what Florentino Perez wants and what most of the rest of the club wants. The rest of the club favors Harry Kane,” Bailey stated.

Perez, as the Real Madrid President, holds significant sway over the club’s decisions, and his plan revolves around pursuing Mbappe. While it may be surprising to hear this information originating from England, similar reports from earlier in the summer can be found in the Spanish press. Talk of Mbappe remained relatively quiet until late June, while whispers of Real Madrid’s interest in Kane began circulating a week before Benzema’s departure.

Carlo Ancelotti’s name was mentioned as one of Kane’s main advocates, and the England captain aligns more closely with Benzema’s style of play compared to Mbappe. However, given the recent lack of discourse surrounding Kane’s potential move to Madrid, it seems probable that any internal desire to see him donning the Real Madrid shirt has been abandoned.