Published on 03:34 PM, August 24, 2018

Madrid eye Neymar, Mbappe as PSG await FFP decision

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Neymar celebrate after a match against Lyon. Photo: Reuters File

PSG await the decision of Financial Fair Play (FFP) ruling and may have to sell major stars to balance their books.

The French club had already been hit by FFP in the past but despite bringing in sensations such as Brazil’s Neymar and France forward Kylian Mbappe, the UEFA Champions League has so far eluded them. A €60m fine was handed down to the club in 2014 for FFP breaches, although that was later reduced.

UEFA are reported to be closely viewing PSG’s finances after their spending spree last season. UEFA will come to a decision before 31st August on whether PSG broke FFP rules while signing Neymar and Mbappe.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Sports, PSG will also have to pay the 180 million euro it owes Monaco to make Mbappe’s move permanent as the French international only joined on loan last season.

While UEFA could fine PSG if they are guilty of breaking FFP rules, it might also impose that Mbappe be allowed to return to Monaco and block a permanent transfer. If such a thing happens, Real Madrid are waiting in the wings to make a deal with Monaco for the French youngster. Spanish media outlet Onda Cero has claimed that Real Madrid are looking into such an operation as the club look to fill the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Since PSG could also be ordered to sell their top stars to raise the cash needed to meet FFP obligations, Neymar, who has already been in Real’s radar for a while, could be one of the stars to be sold. So right now, Neymar and Mbappe’s fate could be linked to how UEFA evaluates PSG’s finances.

Real reportedly have a transfer budget of 300 million euros and their president Florentino Perez might just be waiting for the FFP ruling and possible punishment of PSG before he goes on a spending spree.