Kylian Mbappe’s Camp Questions Real Madrid Offer, PSG Awaits Decision
The future of football star Kylian Mbappe is still uncertain as he has yet to communicate his decision on whether he will stay at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. Several sources familiar with the situation have revealed that Mbappe was initially leaning towards joining Madrid, but influential members of his entourage have been left unconvinced by the Spanish club’s offer, causing a delay in the decision-making process.
Mbappe has known since early January the conditions that Madrid is willing to offer him, as reported by The Athletic. With his PSG contract set to expire after June 30, both clubs have been free to discuss terms. Madrid’s proposal, although lower than what was previously offered during negotiations in 2022, would still make Mbappe the highest-paid player in their squad. Two years ago, he was offered a €130 million signing bonus and an annual salary of €26 million for 2022.
On the other hand, PSG presented Mbappe with a range of contract options several months ago, which include short-term and long-term deals that would keep him at the club. These contracts would maintain his current salary at PSG, which sources say is around €75 million after tax, before any bonuses.
Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, has been actively involved in pursuing Mbappe and has been in direct contact with the player. Despite being turned down by Mbappe in the past, Perez remains hopeful that the Frenchman will accept Madrid’s offer. He has emphasized to Mbappe that signing for Madrid would elevate his profile both in sports and marketing. Perez’s involvement in the negotiations has been described as “unusually close.” However, there are no guarantees that these efforts will be successful, as similar attempts in the past proved fruitless.
In early January, Madrid expressed their desire to resolve the transfer saga by mid-January, aiming to avoid a repeat of the situation in 2022. However, Mbappe’s entourage did not welcome this deadline, feeling that they needed more time to make a decision. The Santiago Bernabeu is still waiting for a definitive answer but expects it to arrive “soon.”
Initially, Mbappe showed positive indications to Madrid, leading to optimism that a deal would be reached. This optimism was even conveyed to Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who believed that Mbappe would be available to him from next summer. However, sources have revealed that there is a division within Mbappe’s camp on how to proceed. Some important voices argue that Madrid’s offer is lower than what he currently earns at PSG or what he could potentially earn from another interested club.
Meanwhile, key figures at PSG have become more pessimistic about securing Mbappe’s renewal in recent weeks. They recall that the player declined an option to stay for an extra year last summer and are aware of his admiration for Real Madrid. Despite this uncertainty, PSG remains relaxed about the situation. Economically, they feel protected due to Mbappe foregoing a bonus of at least €80 million last summer. On a sporting level, the club is committed to building a balanced project that prioritizes the collective rather than relying on individuals.
In conclusion, the future of Kylian Mbappe hangs in the balance as he considers whether to stay at PSG or join Real Madrid. Madrid’s offer has faced skepticism from influential members of Mbappe’s entourage, causing a delay in the decision-making process. While Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, remains hopeful, there are no guarantees that Mbappe will accept their offer. PSG, on the other hand, feels relaxed about the situation and is focused on building a balanced project. As fans eagerly await Mbappe’s decision, it remains to be seen which club he will choose and what impact it will have on the football world.