The World Cup-winning striker could have moved to Spain in 2017, but Luis Ferrer has explained how he was convinced to stay in his home country.
Luis Ferrer spent more than 10 years as part of the Paris Saint-Germain recruiting team, working tirelessly with the likes of Antero Henrique and Leonardo to sign the best of talent and turn the club into a European powerhouse.
He then left to pursue his own business, the LF360, but not before playing his part in the signing of Kylian Mbappe – a transfer that looked unlikely after the club spent a world record fee to sign Neymar from Barcelona.
Ferrer and PSG did just that, and became good friends with the striker family in the process. Speak exclusively to DestinationThe recruiting expert reveals how he and his team managed to convince Mbappe to ignore Real Madrid for the French giants.
How PSG won the race for Mbappe
“Signing number one is Kylian Mbappe, because it’s not just about money,” said Ferrer. “It’s totally different, it takes time – months and months. He has just had an incredible season with Monaco and everyone knows he is a gem, but we also know he is Madrid’s priority.
“Madrid is there and there is no way to stop it. All they have to do is push a button. We, on the other hand, have just made the biggest transfer in the world, Neymar, and can’t buy Mbappe because of that. Financial Fair Play.
“We have to think of bright ideas to achieve them. Everyone collaborate to make it happen. I must also emphasize that it is not handled by the agency. If there were representatives, it would be impossible.
“The first year there were no transfers, but loans, even though there was a clause that the purchase was mandatory – unless there was a decline in performance.”
“Yes, that’s why we know there is a lot of work to be done,” replied Ferrer when asked if it was really Mbappe’s dream to play for Real Madrid.
My idea was to tell Mbappe to join PSG first, that the World Cup was coming, and to offer him a guaranteed place in the starting XI that Madrid might not be able to promise him, although I cannot speak on their behalf.
“But we made that promise because we believed in his talent. It’s something very rare, I’ve only promised footballers once that they will definitely play. Usually the coach does that, but because [former PSG boss] Unai [Emery] engage in conversation …
“There are a lot of details, we could spend a lot of time talking about them, but what I said hasn’t been discussed much.”
What will happen in the summer?
Neymar has indicated he will sign a contract extension with PSG, but Mbappe’s future is less certain.
As reported DestinationThe World Cup winner has started house hunting in Madrid, although he has yet to decide on his future.
“At the moment, the Mbappe family will negotiate with the club,” added Ferrer. “Not at PSG anymore, I can’t guarantee because I don’t have all the information. Anything can happen between now and June.
“It is true that the most powerful clubs in Europe like him and the results on the pitch also affect a lot of things, which is why he delayed [an extension]. Both parties are reflecting. “
What should PSG do next?
If Mbappe doesn’t renew, PSG will have to make a big call: did they keep him and enjoy the last year and then lose him on a free transfer? Or are they cashing in now?
“That’s a very good question – and a dangerous one!” Ferrer continued. “It’s true that PSG are in this situation, but if I say what I’m going to do, it will be dangerous for me!”