According to reports, Real Madrid are prepared to start the 2023-24 season without a number 9 – for the  first time in the club’s history.

Karim Benzema was the last player to wear the number 9 shirt at the club, and has now departed Madrid for Saudi Arabia.

Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu for the past three years, and according to Marca, Florentino Perez considers him a special player.

The report claims that Perez is considering keeping the jersey for Mbappe.

Sources say Real Madrid have not yet given up on signing Mbappe this summer despite the player repeatedly stating he won’t leave PSG now.

Real Madrid still harbour small hopes of signing Mbappe, after the player shocked PSG with a letter stating he won’t renew his contract which ends in 2024.

The Athletic reports that Mbappe’s mother is currently locked in discussions with PSG about the player’s future, and the Los Blancos are monitoring the situation.