Mbappe to Join Real Madrid: PSG Striker’s Move Confirmed
Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has announced his intention to join Real Madrid this summer, bringing an end to his tenure at PSG as his contract expires in June. The news comes as a blow to PSG, as Mbappe is their record goalscorer with an impressive tally of 244 goals. The deal between the two clubs is yet to be finalized, but an official announcement is expected after the conclusion of this season’s Champions League, as the two teams are set to face each other.
Mbappe made his decision clear to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi during a meeting on 13 February, ensuring that his future would be sorted before March. In a recent match against Nantes, Mbappe was left out of the starting line-up but came off the bench to score a penalty, helping PSG maintain their 14-point lead at the top of Ligue 1.
The anticipated move will see Mbappe sign a five-year contract with Real Madrid, earning an impressive 15 million euros (£12.8m) per season. Additionally, he will receive a signing-on bonus of 150 million euros (£128m), which will be paid over five years. Mbappe will also retain a percentage of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already considered how he will incorporate Mbappe into his team, with plans to have England midfielder Jude Bellingham play a deeper role and Brazilian Vinicius Jr on the left. Mbappe is set to occupy the left-of-center position. If Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leaves this summer, Mbappe would likely inherit the coveted number 10 shirt he currently wears for France.
The journey leading up to Mbappe’s decision to leave PSG has been eventful. After winning the French title with Monaco, he joined PSG as an 18-year-old in 2017. Initially, he was on loan before completing a 180 million euro (£165.7m) permanent move. Throughout his time at PSG, Mbappe has been instrumental in their success, contributing 244 goals and 93 assists in 291 games. He has helped the club secure five Ligue 1 titles.
Mbappe was initially set to leave PSG on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-2022 season. However, he eventually signed a two-year contract extension, with the option for an additional year. When he informed PSG that he would not agree to the extra year, he was excluded from the pre-season tour to Japan last July. Mbappe also declined to meet with representatives from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who had made a world record £259m offer for him. Following what PSG described as “very constructive and positive” talks, Mbappe returned to first-team training.
Interestingly, Mbappe had previously rejected a move to Real Madrid when he agreed to his current deal with PSG in May 2022. With a one-year extension clause in his contract, it is expected that his departure will involve either a transfer fee or financial sacrifices on the player’s part.
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon expressed his excitement about the potential addition of Mbappe to the team. He believes that Mbappe would be a fantastic addition to an already talented squad, which includes young players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham. Calderon praised Mbappe’s abilities and predicted that he would leave a lasting impact on the history of the club.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has been confirmed, signaling the end of his successful tenure at PSG. The French striker’s decision comes as no surprise given his desire to secure his future before March. As negotiations between the two clubs continue, fans eagerly await the official announcement of the deal. Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid is expected to bolster the team’s already impressive lineup, and his talent and skills are sure to make a significant impact on the club’s history.