Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has recently received a staggering €300 million offer for their star player, Kylian Mbappe, from Al Hilal. The Saudi Pro League club has been granted permission to engage in discussions with the forward, further fueling speculation about Mbappe’s future. This development comes after the 24-year-old was excluded from PSG’s pre-season tour and put up for sale, intensifying his ongoing contract saga.
Mbappe has the option to extend his stay in Paris until 2025, but with the expiration of the clause at the end of the month, PSG is preparing for the upcoming season without him. While the French international has long expressed his desire to join Real Madrid, who failed to secure his signature last summer, Al Hilal has now made an official offer for the player.
If a deal is reached, it would constitute a world-record transfer fee and result in Mbappe earning a highly lucrative salary. The negotiations between PSG and Al Hilal highlight the immense interest and financial resources involved in securing the services of one of the world’s most talented footballers.
Mbappe informed PSG last month that he would not be exercising the option in his current contract but intended to stay for the upcoming season. In response, PSG sent a letter to the forward, requesting clarity on his position by July 15. However, they claim to have received no communication from Mbappe or his representatives this week, leading them to believe that he is determined to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next year.
PSG remains confident in their legal position regarding the situation and is willing to bench Mbappe this season if he does not finalize a move to another club during this transfer window. The club expects to receive considerably less than the €180 million they initially spent to sign Mbappe in 2017 if they decide to sell him to a European rival.
It was previously reported by The Athletic in January that Real Madrid has maintained contact with Mbappe’s entourage despite their failed attempt to secure his services last year. The Spanish club has continued their pursuit of the French forward, hoping to secure his signature in the near future.
Al Hilal has already made significant moves in the transfer market this summer, signing Ruben Neves from Wolves, Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, and Sergei Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio. The club, along with Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, will now be controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as part of a major shake-up announced in June.
The power dynamics in this situation are evident, as PSG’s decision to exclude Mbappe from their pre-season tour highlights his influence. With his contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, Mbappe holds the cards and has the power to decide whether or not to extend his stay at PSG until 2025.
However, PSG will attempt to regain some control over the situation by influencing the terms of Mbappe’s departure. If he spends his final season on the substitutes’ bench, it could impact his on-field legacy. Additionally, leaving without a transfer fee would allow PSG to claim that Mbappe is financially harming the club and impeding their future success.
The negotiations surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future have captivated football fans worldwide. As one of the most talented and sought-after players in the world, his next move will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the football landscape. Whether he joins Real Madrid or remains at PSG for another season, Mbappe’s decision will shape the trajectory of his career and potentially redefine the transfer market.