As of midnight, 1st January, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé (25) is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with other clubs, ahead of a prospective summer move.
In June, Mbappé informed the PSG hierarchy that he would not be triggering the one-year extension, included in his contract, signed back in May 2022. Fearing losing the most valuable player in the world on a free, Les Parisiens’ response was to omit Mbappé from their pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea amidst a wider objective, which was to garner a fee for the France captain.
PSG optimistic about renewal
However, Mbappé dug in his heels. He publically repeated the claim that whilst he was unwilling to renew, he would be seeing out the final year of his contract at the Parc des Princes. That stance was tested when PSG reportedly accepted a world-record €300m bid from Al-Hilal, but Mbappé stood firm.
Whilst Mbappé ultimately re-integrated the first team following PSG’s opening day draw against FC Lorient, there has been little talk of a renewal. The facilitator of Mbappé’s re-integration is reportedly the Frenchman’s acceptance to forego considerable loyalty bonuses.
However, despite Mbappé now being able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with other clubs, ahead of a free transfer, there is optimism at PSG. According to The Athletic and L’Équipe, Les Parisiens are growing increasingly optimistic that Mbappé will once again shun interest and remain at the club.
Finances limit Mbappé suitors
Mbappé’s perceived happiness at the club, following some big-name departures in the summer and the reconstruction of the project by Luis Enrique and Luís Campos, both of whom he shares good relations with, is a source of hope for PSG, who will be desperate to avoid the fiasco that marred the second half of the 2021/22 season.
Another source of optimism for PSG is the lack of suitors for Mbappé. The Frenchman, although arriving potentially on a free, would have extortionate wage demands, limiting the number of clubs that could feasibly pull off a deal. “There is no chance [of signing Mbappé], absolutely no chance. Sorry for killing the idea,” said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in November, citing the financial barriers to a move.
Manchester City, one of the few clubs financially capable of signing Mbappé, are also unlikely to make a move. “Manchester City aren’t after Mbappé. Everyone knows where he wants to go,” said Pep Guardiola back in June. As reported by RMC Sport, Barcelona’s reported interest in signing the AS Monaco academy product is unfounded, and given the Catalan club’s financial difficulties, completely unrealistic.
Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia in the race
As things stand, only Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia have the means to sign Mbappé. A move to the latter seems unlikely, given the Frenchman’s rejection of a move in the summer. However, that has not deterred Michael Emenalo, the Suadi Pro League Director of Football.
“With Mbappé, the conversation is open,” Emenalo began in an interview with Marca earlier in December. “But we don’t know what he wants to do. Our position is clear: all of these kinds of players know where we are. If there is a possibility or an interest from Mbappé to be a part of what we’re building, today or in the future, we can’t reject the possibility. It is a player that I like.”
The more likely scenario sees Mbappé heading to Real Madrid this summer. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are preparing a limited-time offer for Mbappé, who must respond to the proposal by mid-January. The offer is likely to be less lucrative than the one offered back in 2022. Whilst Mbappé is now free to negotiate with any club, he is not exactly spoilt for choice.
