Kylian Mbappe may have just dropped a cryptic hint regarding his next club preference during the summer transfer window.
After a stunning fallout, the France international appears likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the near future.
PSG wants to sell the attacker after failing to extend his contract last month and with one year left on his contract.
Real Madrid are the hot favourites to sign the 24-year-old, but a move to Saudi Arabia appears to be off the table.
Liverpool is one of the clubs linked to a loan to the Premier League.
Mbappe, on the other hand, may have simply hinted at his desire with a cryptic social media post.
Fans saw three upturned playing cards in a series of photos uploaded on Instagram.
All three wore the number nine, which is presently unoccupied at Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema’s transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer has left the job at the Bernabeu vacant for the time being.
And it’s one that many expect Mbappe to fulfill, and it didn’t take long for some to make the connection.
One follower responded, “Number 9 in Madrid is waiting for you.”
“9 card?” wrote another. Is that some kind of code?”
“Card number 9 in that last slide…. 9 white stripes in that hand,” said one fan.
“9? REAL MADRID?” said a fourth. 9=? “HERE COMES THE REAL MADRID.”This fan, on the other hand, went into detail, writing: “OK, let’s analyze this. Three attackers are represented by three in formation.
“One on the left is black, which means racism is directed at Vini, so that’s Vini.”
“Surprise, surprise, the one on the right is hearts…Rodrygo is adored by all.
“The one in the center is as sharp as a diamond…#9 is undoubtedly Kylian Mbappe.”
While it may be a reach, a departure from PSG appears to be on the cards.
However, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has kept his cards close to his chest, denying any speculation of a transfer by stating that he does not expect any further acquisitions.
“I believe we’re finished,” he remarked. “The newcomers are doing quite well. Brahim [Diaz] and Joselu have demonstrated that they can contribute offensively to the club.
“I think the team has a lot of attacking options that will give us chances to score goals.”
When asked specifically about Mbappe, Ancelotti responded, “It doesn’t bother me when you ask me about him [Mbappe], but I’m not going to answer.”
