Kylian Mbappe (26, PSG) will soon be a free agent. But there are only a few clubs in the world that can afford him.
“Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe is now officially free to talk to other clubs about a new contract,” according to sports publication Get Football.
Mbappe is the undisputed top ace of the French national team and PSG. He can play as both a winger and a frontline striker and has everything you could want in a striker: blistering pace, a lean and nimble personal style, quick reading of the game, good vision, and a naturally powerful ankle.
Mbappe, who has scored 233 goals in 282 games for PSG, was wanted by a number of clubs, most notably Real Madrid, but he ultimately chose to stay at PSG, re-signing with the club in 2022.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG runs until June 2024, meaning that he can head to Real as a free agent at the end of the season.
In this situation, Mbappe is free to discuss his future with other clubs. This is because the Bosman Rule allows players six months before their contract expires to negotiate freely with other clubs and then move to a new team at the end of their contract.
Real had a golden opportunity to sign Mbappe without a transfer fee.
“In June, Mbappe informed PSG that he would not be exercising the one-year extension option included in his contract when he signed in May 2022. PSG are optimistic about renewing, but Mbappe does not want to renew. There is little talk of a renewal.”
“Although Mbappe can move teams in free agency, his exorbitant salary is a deal breaker. This limits the number of clubs that can afford him.”
According to media reports, only a handful of clubs can afford Mbappe’s salary. The Premier League’s Manchester City and Spain’s Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the only ones that can afford him.
As Get Football notes, “City are one of the few clubs that could financially afford Mbappe, but a move is unlikely. City manager Pep Guardiola said in June: ‘City are not chasing Mbappe. Everyone knows where he’s going next,'” Pep Guardiola said in June, ruling out a move to City.
“Barcelona have little interest in Mbappe and a move for him is unrealistic in their current financial position. Only Real Madrid and a few clubs in the Saudi professional league are currently in the running for Mbappe.” “Mbappe has already turned down the Saudis once this summer. The Saudis have insisted that talks are open, but the most likely scenario is that Mbappe moves to Real.”
Earlier, on March 30, Spain’s Marca reported that “Real will make Mbappe the same offer as in 2022. A salary of 26 million euros ($37 billion) a year plus a bonus of 130 million euros ($18 billion).”
“Real plan to find out if Mbappe is willing to sign for them after his contract with PSG expires,” said Marca, adding, “They will not tolerate vague answers or evasions.”
“If Mbappe confirms his intention to join Real, the contract will be signed in January. Real will offer the same terms that were agreed with Mbappe in May 2022,” adding that “Real are no longer in a rush to sign Mbappe as they believe they already have a strong attacking line with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Hodriguez and Endrick.”
Get Football added: “According to the British ‘The Athletic’ and French ‘L’Equipe’, PSG are once again optimistic that Mbappe will stay at the club. Barcelona’s interest remains unfounded,” the outlet said.
“Mbappe can officially talk to any team, but in reality he has few options,” the publication added.