Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may be forced to sell star striker Kylian Mbappé following his demands to leave the club. Reports suggest that Mbappé had informed the club of his intention to leave in 2024 and that his contract extension in 2022 was actually a two-year deal with an option for a third year. The 24-year-old now has the option to leave the club for free next summer or for a record transfer fee this summer.
Considering Mbappe’s market value of €180 million, there are only a few clubs that could afford him. German club Bayern Munich quickly dismissed the idea of signing him due to the high transfer and wage demands. Manchester City and Chelsea had shown interest in Mbappe last year, but City has since signed Erling Haaland, leaving Chelsea as the sole English club interested. However, Chelsea has already made forward signings, making the chances of them signing Mbappe slim.
Real Madrid is seen as the leading favorite to sign Mbappe. The Spanish club had tried to buy him before he signed his last contract extension with PSG. Madrid can offer him a starring role and a route to the Champions League each season. Financially, Madrid’s net spend in the last five seasons is relatively low compared to other top clubs, indicating that they may have been saving up for a move for Mbappe. Whether they can or will make the move this summer remains uncertain.
A potential obstacle for Real Madrid is competition from Saudi club Al Hilal. It is rumored that Al Hilal has submitted a formal bid for Mbappe, which could eventually reach €300 million. However, it is unclear whether Mbappe would be interested in leaving European football and if PSG would sell their prized asset to a Saudi club.
Overall, Mbappe’s future at PSG is uncertain, with the possibility of him leaving either for free next summer or for a record transfer fee this summer. While Real Madrid is seen as the leading contender, competition from other top clubs and the interest of Al Hilal adds further complexity to the situation. Only time will tell where Mbappe will end up.
