After FIFA announced a billion dollars in prize pool for the Club World Cup this summer, Real Madrid seem to want to beef up their investment. – Among other things, they want to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool already in the beginning of June to make it to the championship that starts on June 14.
Kylian Mbappé has confirmed that he is in regular contact with Cristiano Ronaldo after equalling the Real Madrid legend’s goal tally from his debut season. – Read: Mbappe equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s record – now chasing Real Madrid’s historic goal record
Mbappé scored his second consecutive La Liga double to help Los Blancos to a narrow 3-2 win over Leganés on Saturday night, taking him up to 33 goals across all competitions this season.
Thus, he has reached the same number of goals as Ronaldo in his first season at the Santiago Bernabéu back in 2009/10.
After learning about the performance, Mbappé told Real Madrid TV:
“It’s very special… having as many goals as Cristiano is always good. We know what he means to Real Madrid – and to me. We talk, he gives me a lot of advice, he scored a lot of goals, but we have to win trophies here.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018 in a transfer worth €117 million. He remains a club legend in the Spanish capital, and Mbappé has admired the Portuguese since childhood.
Read: Surprising club in talks to sign Jack Grealish – could be the biggest transfer of the summer
Can Cristiano Ronaldo return to Real Madrid?
The news of Ronaldo’s contact with Mbappé comes after rumours that he could return to Real Madrid this summer to take part in the first edition of the new Club World Cup.
Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the tournament, but there has been speculation that Ronaldo could leave the Saudi Arabian club to sign for a club that participates in the championship in the United States. The transfer window has been moved earlier to give clubs the opportunity to strengthen their squad before the Club World Cup begins, and Ronaldo can therefore choose to change clubs, or sign a loan deal.
Since the tournament is only held every four years, there is a chance that Ronaldo will have retired by the 2030 edition. Therefore, he can choose to secure a place in this year’s championship.
A possible return to Real Madrid has been discussed online, but with the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz – and of course Mbappé – there could be little room for Ronaldo in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
On the other hand, the sale of shirts alone will surely exceed the sum that Saudi Arabia will demand, they will on it as good advertising and excellent sportswashing.
