Introduction of Is Mbappe going to real madrid
Kylian Mbappe is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. At just 23 years old, the French striker is already a World Cup winner and has established himself as a superstar for both club and country. Such has been Mbappe’s meteoric rise at Paris Saint-Germain that he is now constantly linked with a blockbuster transfer to Champions League holders Real Madrid. But will Mbappe actually leave PSG for Madrid anytime soon? His long-term future remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Mbappe has enjoyed phenomenal success at an exceptionally young age. After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at AS Monaco, winning Ligue 1 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2016/17, Mbappe secured a €180 million move to PSG. In Paris he has become a sensation, scoring over 150 goals and winning a host of domestic trophies.
Last season Mbappe finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1, netting 28 goals. But PSG have failed to win the prize they crave most – the Champions League. Mbappe now faces a pivotal crossroads in his blossoming career.
Contract Situation at PSG
Mbappe’s current contract at PSG is due to expire in June 2022. This means that as things stand, he could leave the club for free at the end of this season. PSG have been desperate to tie down their star striker to a new long-term extension. However, Mbappe has so far resisted penning fresh terms in the French capital.
PSG sporting director Leonardo claims Mbappe has never said to him that he wants to leave, but concedes they are yet to persuade him to remain either. Until Mbappe commits his future, speculation will be rife that he intends to further his career away from Parc des Princes.
Reasons to Leave PSG
There are compelling reasons why Mbappe may want to seek a new challenge outside of PSG. Firstly, he has so far been unable to guide PSG to Champions League glory. They fell at the final hurdle in 2020, being narrowly beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the final.
Mbappe may feel joining one of Europe’s traditional elite clubs gives him more chance of conquering the continent. Secondly, Real Madrid, in particular, holds huge appeal. Mbappe has not hidden his admiration for the Spanish giants. Joining Madrid would allow Mbappe to play alongside France teammate Karim Benzema and fulfil his childhood dream of wearing the famous white shirt. Finally, despite all his success, Mbappe has yet to test himself outside of France. Leaving PSG would enable him to showcase his talents in a new league like La Liga or the Premier League.
Reasons to Stay at PSG
However, there are also arguments supporting why Mbappe may elect to remain at PSG for the long haul. Right now, Mbappe is the undisputed main man and talisman in Paris. At Madrid, he would have to compete with Benzema for the limelight. Staying put guarantees Mbappe will retain his superstar status. There is also silverware up for grabs. Having already won four Ligue 1 titles with PSG, Mbappe could cement legendary status by leading them to a maiden Champions League trophy.
Simply put, if Mbappe stays he has the potential to become PSG’s greatest ever player. That may appeal more than starting afresh somewhere new. Finally, from a financial perspective, PSG have the resources to make Mbappe the highest paid footballer on the planet. Turning down such riches would be difficult.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Mbappe
From Florentino Perez down, Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to recruit Mbappe. The Spanish club first registered interest in 2017 when Mbappe was excelling at Monaco. However, PSG won the race for his signature back then. In recent years, Madrid have been carefully laying the foundations for an eventual swoop for Mbappe.
They have tried to maintain good relations with Mbappe’s family and not had major dealings with PSG that could jeopardize a future transfer. Now in an excellent position financially, Madrid seems poised to finally land their man. If Mbappe indicates he will not renew his deal, expect Madrid to table a mega offer this summer.
Potential Transfer Timing
There are three possible windows when Mbappe could seal a move to the Bernabeu. The first would be a blockbuster transfer before deadline day this summer. However, judging by Leonardo’s comments, PSG have no intention of selling their prized asset. A more likely outcome would be Mbappe joining Madrid as a free agent in July 2022 upon the expiry of his PSG contract.
This would mirror Lionel Messi’s arrival at PSG earlier this summer. The third option would be Mbappe agreeing a short-term extension in Paris to then be sold mid-contract next summer. Ultimately, the ball is in Mbappe’s court. If he refuses to sign a new deal then a transfer before September cannot be ruled out.
Influential Factors
Several key factors will shape Mbappe’s decision over whether to stay or go. Firstly, if PSG were to win the Champions League this season it could persuade Mbappe his European ambitions can be fulfilled in France. An impressive run in Europe’s premier cup competition would strengthen PSG’s bargaining position. If they were to fall short again however, Mbappe may feel compelled to seek pastures new.
Much will also depend on the contract offered by PSG. If they propose making Mbappe the world’s highest paid player it makes turning them down more difficult. Of course, Perez and Real will also pull out all the stops to lure Mbappe. Their dogged pursuit could eventually convince Mbappe his future lies in the Spanish capital, not Paris.
Mbappe’s Recent Comments
Mbappe has remained tight-lipped about his future plans. Ahead of France’s Nations League success last October he stated “I don’t want to talk about my contract situation at PSG because we are in a tense moment and I don’t want to disturb the team”. But when pressed on a potential move to Real he admitted “In football you never know what can happen”.
Mbappe will want to avoid causing a distraction by openly flirting with other clubs. But his refusal to end speculation by committing to PSG is telling. Reading between the lines, it appears Mbappe intends to move on sooner rather than later.
Reaction From PSG and Madrid
Both clubs involved remain outwardly confident the resolution of the Mbappe transfer saga will favour them. Leonardo and Nasser Al-Khelaifi have insisted PSG are “not worried” about Mbappe departing this summer as he remains under contract. However, they must be anxious that Mbappe is biding his time rather than signing an extension.
Over in the Spanish capital, Real president Perez last month asserted “Mbappe wants to play for Real Madrid”. Such conviction indicates Madrid believe they can prise Mbappe away once his deal expires. Ultimately, both clubs are still waiting on Mbappe to conclusively reveal his cards.
Conclusion
Where Kylian Mbappe will be playing his football next season remains shrouded in doubt. PSG are growing increasingly desperate to tie him down amid fresh speculation linking him with Real Madrid. Mbappe may feel the time is right to pursue a new challenge at the age of 23. If no contract extension is signed then PSG face the nightmare scenario of losing their talisman for free.
However, if PSG can make progress in the Champions League and make Mbappe a lucrative offer, he could yet remain in Paris. For now, the ball is firmly in Mbappe’s court. His next career move is set to have seismic ramifications. All eyes will be fixed on how this transfer saga unfolds between Europe’s two super clubs.
FAQs:
When does Mbappe’s contract with PSG expire?
Mbappe’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June 2022, at the end of this season. Unless he signs a contract extension, he will be a free agent this summer.
How much is Mbappe worth in today’s transfer market?
Mbappe is estimated to be worth around €150-160 million in today’s transfer market. This values him as one of the most expensive players in the world currently. His contract situation means his price would be lower if he leaves PSG this summer.
Has Mbappe said he wants to leave PSG?
Mbappe has not openly stated he wants to leave PSG. However, he has yet to sign a contract extension with the club despite multiple new offers. This has fueled speculation that he may want a new challenge away from Ligue 1, with Real Madrid his most likely destination.
Would Mbappe sign for Madrid on a free transfer?
There is strong belief that Mbappe would be willing to run down his contract with PSG and join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer. This would allow Mbappe to receive a huge signing bonus and salary from Madrid rather than the club paying a big transfer fee.
Could Mbappe leave PSG this summer?
Yes, there is still a possibility Mbappe could leave PSG in the upcoming summer transfer window. If he makes it clear he will not extend his contract, PSG may be forced to sell him to Madrid in order to receive a transfer fee rather than lose him for nothing in 2023.