Mbappe stays with PSG; Griezmann makes shock Atletico return

TIL Desk Sports/ Real Madrid failed in their attempt to sign France striker Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint Germain on the final day of the transfer window as Cristiano Ronaldo completed his move from Juventus to Manchester United. After a window which saw Lionel Messi’s shock move from Barcelona to PSG, Real had hoped to create another upset by luring the most exciting young talent in the game to Madrid.

Multiple media reports in Spain said Real offered transfer fees ranging from 150 million euros ($177.14 million) to 200 million euros ($236.18 million) for the World Cup-winning forward who is out of contract in June. Despite the absence of another blockbuster deal there was plenty of movement elsewhere.

The most eye-catching deal saw Mbappe’s France team mate Antoine Griezmann leave Barcelona to rejoin Atletico Madrid — initially on loan. Griezmann left Atleti for the Nou Camp two years ago and his new club said there was an option to extend the loan by a further year, while Barca said there was an obligation to make the move a permanent one.