Real Madrid has been training Kylian Mbappe for over a month to enhance his free-kick skills, with his recent goal against Leganes marking a career milestone in this aspect.

Sunderland made multiple attempts to sign the striker last summer, but their bids were ultimately blocked by Kylian Mbappe.

 

Alexandre Mendy has openly criticized Caen’s ownership for preventing his transfer to Sunderland during the previous summer transfer window. The French forward was strongly linked with a move to Wearside but was unable to complete the switch, despite Sunderland submitting several offers. Both Mendy and his agent were eager to finalize the transfer, but Caen’s new management refused to let him go.

 

Reports suggest that Sunderland had reached an agreement with Caen’s former owners, but the terms changed after the club was taken over last summer. Caen’s current ownership group includes Kylian Mbappe. Based on Mendy’s public statements and social media activity, it was evident that he was eager to leave Caen. His latest remarks indicate that he remains frustrated about how things unfolded last summer.

 

In September, Mendy spoke about his lingering disappointment, stating via France Bleu: “I haven’t fully moved on—there are still some effects lingering. The things that were said, what happened in the past, and the impact on my family… We had packed our bags and were preparing for a move, but it didn’t happen. Over time, that feeling will fade, but right now, I feel good on the pitch. The major pieces are in place, but there are still things left unpacked. It’s a slow process, but for now, we’re focusing on football. When there’s a break, we’ll sort everything out.”

 

During the transfer window, Mendy gave an eye-opening interview where he admitted that he already saw himself as a Sunderland player. He stated: “I’m just waiting. My family and I had made plans, and this situation has been particularly tough on them. We’ve been living out of boxes. Mentally, I was already at Sunderland. I’ve never been one to give anything less than my best for the club, and I wasn’t about to start now.

 

“This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up—it’s England, a country where football thrives. The coach had wanted me for a long time. It wasn’t about money—if that were the case, I would have gone to Saudi Arabia. This move was important for me, and I didn’t want to miss out. I also considered my family, especially my children. Moving to a new country and learning a new language would have been beneficial for them.”