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Kylian Mbappe’s potential Saudi transfer could set a dangerous precedent
Kylian Mbappe is very much for sale and that won’t change unless he signs a new PSG deal, which is obviously not looking likely.
Al-Hilal have placed a world-record €300m offer. PSG haven’t legally accepted it just yet but are willing to if Mbappe indicates he is prepared to join the Saudi club. For now they have given him permission to speak. And at the time of writing, Mbappe hasn’t yet started any official talks. He is set to be offered a €700m salary.
It’s a one-year proposal, as exclusively revealed, allowing Mbappe to still join Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024. That said, Al-Hilal will offer Mbappe the option to extend just in case he changes his mind.
This is what PSG are playing on. They feel that trust is at an all-time low between Mbappe and Florentino Perez following the French striker’s last PSG extension when he failed to join Real.
Kylian Mbappe with the French national team
Real could just wait a year, but PSG hope they feel compelled to move now. Should they do so the fee wouldn’t be anywhere near €300m.
PSG are willing to listen to any offers, including player-swap deals. They have had enquiries from several clubs including Manchester United, Spurs, Inter Milan and even Barcelona. This shouldn’t be confused with active negotiations or bids, though. Chelsea have also been linked, but any Mbappe pursuit has been downplayed by sources.
PODCAST: Inside the Kylian Mbappe Saga
Everyone knows Mbappe wants Real, even PSG, who fear an agreement for 2024 is already in place. But perhaps the Saudi bid is a compromise to get PSG a fee now, provide exposure to the Saudi Pro League and still allow Real to get their top target on a free next summer. It’s a lot of money to spend, though, knowing Mbappe would only go for a season, and perhaps sets a dangerous precedent if other top stars know they can go to Saudi for short and lucrative stays.
Ultimately everything comes down to Mbappe now. Saudi…
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