The decision-makers at Real Madrid have this week moved to play down the constant links between themselves and two of world football’s standout attackers.
The players in question? Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.
As per a report from Cadena Ser, Los Blancos have introduced a new rule at their official club shop, whereby fans who ask to have the name of either Mbappé or Haaland printed on the back of one of their jerseys, will be denied.
An exception would only be made in the case of the individual in question providing proof of their name matching those of either the Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City goalscorer.
The official line stemming from the Santiago Bernabéu is that the measure has been taken out of respect for the two players and their clubs alike.
It is of course currently unclear whether Real intend to sanction moves for either Mbappé or Haaland ahead of next summer, but, for the time being at least, their new club shop regulations are unlikely to put a stop to the constant media speculation.
Conor Laird | GSFN
