Kylian Mbappé may not be a Paris Saint-Germain player for much longer. The French international striker has been left out of their pre-season tour squad to Japan and South Korea, which departed from Paris today. Furthermore, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the player is now up for sale as the club look to cash in before his contract expires next summer.
Mbappé did feature for PSG recently when appearing as a second-half substitute during their 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over Le Havre, with Mbappé scoring a late second goal. As things stand, there is every chance that could be the final time he pulls on the famous PSG jersey.
With Mbappé now available for transfer, many would suggest that merely paths the way for La Liga giants Real Madrid to now make their move. It has been well-documented that the club wishes to sign the player, and the player desperately wants to move to the Spanish team. The club may be prepared to wait a year and sign him for free, so it is no forgone conclusion.
PSG however have seemingly made it clear that they want to part ways wish Mbappé now so they receive some kind of sizeable fee. They are no longer prepared to let him depart for nothing. With news from Sky Sports that Mbappé is willing to see out his contract over the next year, even if it means not playing a match in 2023-24, it adds further intrigue to this deal.
Kylian Mbappé Transfer: Is there a twist in the tale?
Whilst it has been long accepted that the 24-year-old will join Real Madrid, another club has entered the race, which may give Mbappé something else to think about. Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal are lining up a €200million move, which would be paid over two years, for the pacey forward, according to RMC Sport. Whispers of interest from Chelsea is yet to see an offer on the table.
The Telegraph however understands that whilst PSG would also entertain Mbappé joining a Saudi Arabian club on loan, the Ligue 1 side will hold discussions with Real Madrid, as well as ‘several' other clubs, in a bid to get Mbappé off their books this summer.
A switch to Madrid does seem to be the most likely outcome to this long-running transfer saga. The player has not ever hidden from the fact that he would love to move to Santiago Bernabéu at some point in his career. After winning five league titles and seven cups with PSG, but no Champions League, Mbappé want to play at the very highest level of club football.
Making the move would no doubt vastly improve his financial situation. Whilst he already has some solid sponsorship deals in place, his net worth and global appeal would be enhanced by joining arguably the biggest team in club football.
Kylian Mbappé Transfer: The most likely outcome
Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid just looks like a match made in heaven and one which many have anticipated to pair up at some point. Now appears a logical time for it to happen, especially with Mbappé unwilling to extend his club contract at PSG. The awkward part is the fact he still has one-year remaining on his deal, and negotiating around that is the stumbling block.
Nevertheless, we can all expect Mbappé to be pulling on a Real Madrid shirt at some point in the near future. Either this summer, potentially in the January transfer window, or this time next year. Using odds from Bet Victor, he is still a heavy favourite at 1/3 to sign for Real Madrid, with a switch to Saudi next in the betting at 8/1.
