The unfinished game between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid: Why did Vinicius become a key pawn?

When Real Madrid chased Mbappe for seven years, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) tried to turn the situation around by signing Vinicius. This is not only a deal about players, but also a battle for the future football map.

Background: The seven-year pursuit between Real Madrid and Mbappe

From the moment Mbappe showed his strength, Real Madrid's eyes were firmly locked on this French genius. In the past seven years, Real Madrid has almost done its best to try to bring the player under their command. However, despite repeated contacts between the two sides, an agreement was never reached. Especially in 2019, when Mbappe's central position in Paris was threatened by Neymar, the transfer seemed to become even more confusing. PSG's counterattack: Vinicius became the key bargaining chip in 2019, PSG sports director Leonardo made a bold decision: trying to use Vinicius as a exchange condition for Mbappe's transfer. At that time, although Vinicius' performance at Real Madrid had not yet been fully realized, his potential had been widely recognized and was even regarded as a future world-class star. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez rejected the proposal without hesitation. He knows Vinicius's value well and believes that he is one of the core of Real Madrid's next decade.

This decision not only demonstrates Real Madrid's long-term plan for young players, but also highlights the different strategies of the two giants in the transfer market: one tries to exchange short-term interests for the future, and the other insists on using time to cultivate their own legend.

Turning point: Mbappe's contract renewal and Leonardo's departure

Although Leonardo publicly expressed his willingness to sell Mbappe, the top leaders from Qatar firmly opposed any deal. In 2022, Mbappe finally chose to renew his contract with Paris, while Leonardo left the club in disgrace. PSG then appointed Luis Campos, who is close to Mbappe, as sports director, a move that completely consolidated Mbappe's position in the team.

This series of events not only stagnated Real Madrid's pursuit plan, but also brought the power struggle within Paris to the surface. Mbappe's contract renewal not only changed the club's internal structure, but also became the fuse for the deterioration of the relationship between the two giants.

Vinicius' rise and Real Madrid's persistence

On the other hand, Vinicius used his performance in the next few years to prove that Real Madrid's choice was correct. From being a freshman to growing into a world-class star, his performance is amazing. During the two Champions League championships, Vinicius' key goals and outstanding performance made him a new flagship figure for Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, PSG's interest in Vinicius has not stopped. However, due to the Mbappe incident, the relationship between the two clubs has long been broken and any transfer negotiations are difficult to advance. Real Madrid's persistence in Vinicius eventually brought huge returns, and also showed the outside world their unique vision in player training.

Unfinished transfer story and future prospect

Although Mbappe eventually joined Real Madrid in 2024, the rift between the two clubs has not healed. PSG still keeps its focus on Vinicius, trying to find new opportunities. This event not only shows the complexity of the modern football transfer market, but also reflects the game between the two giants in the future football map.

As Mbappe and Vinicius continue to improve in their respective clubs, the two may become the focus again in the future. Whether it is a direct showdown on the court or an off-court transfer rumor, this unfinished story will undoubtedly continue to attract the attention of fans around the world.