By Samuel A. February 15, 2024
Kylian Mbappe, who will run out his contract in Paris this summer, has communicated his decision to the French champions and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president, on Tuesday that he’ll not be staying beyond this summer. The terms of the France captain’s exit are yet to be finalised, as he will either be sold for a fee or sacrifice some of his earnings to the club before leaving.
PSG expect Mbappe to join Real Madrid at the end of the season once the terms of his exit are finalised. The two parties still need to negotiate whether Mbappe will leave for a fee or sacrifice his own earnings. PSG have Mbappe’s word that he will never leave on a free transfer.
Real Madrid have been interested in the 25 year old forward, with the talisman not denying his ambition to play for the Spanish giants either. It has been reported that he would have to take a pay cut to join the Spanish side, even though they are prepared to make him the highest paid player in their history. PSG turned down a €220m plus addons offer for Mbappe from Real Madrid in August 2021. The forward then chose to sign a new two year deal with PSG that expires this summer. Although he has an option to extend for another year, it’s increasingly unlikely that he would be activating the option. If he was to extend his deal by a further year, PSG would value him at €150m (£128m) in the upcoming transfer window.
PSG accepted a €300m (£256m) from Saudi club Al Hilal last summer, which Mbappe turned down. The departure of Mbappe, whose wages cost PSG €200m (£171m) per year, will free up funds for the club to replace their star player and it is understood there are already plans to make multiple signings this summer.
Warren Zaire-Emery, 17, and Bradley Barcola, 21, have kick started PSG’s new project, with the French side boasting the youngest squad in the Champions League this season. Xavi Simons, 20, on loan at RB Leipzig, is another thought to be key to PSG’s future. PSG are expected to offer renewals to Simons and Zaire-Emery, while Barcola signed from Lyon on a five year deal in the summer.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in the French international, but Spanish giants Real Madrid remain outright favorites to sign the 25 year old this summer.
