Premier League clubs are bracing themselves for a raft of pay-rise demands from top players should Kylian Mbappe seal a £259million switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Executives at the ‘Big Six’ fear the France striker’s potential move to Al Hilal, on a rumoured salary of more than £3m a week, would be a ‘disrupter’ and lead to their stars threatening to follow him to Saudi Arabia unless they are given huge increases.
The salaries being offered in Saudi Arabia dwarf those paid in the Premier League. Erling Haaland is this country’s top earner, picking up a package of close to £900,000 a week at Treble winners Manchester City.
However, should Mbappe, 24, make the switch Premier League officials believe it would be a game-changer.
One insider explained: ‘So far most of those who have gone to Saudi have been close to their final deal. But if Mbappe, one of the best players in the world, goes during his peak years, all bets are off.
‘It would not be a surprise if the top players pointed to him and said they would also go unless they could get the same money — or at least a massive rise — to stay.
‘The Premier League seem relaxed about it. But if we start to see a drain of the best talent, that attitude would quickly change the next time television rights are up for grabs.’
Paris Saint-Germain gave Mbappe permission to speak to Al Hilal on Monday.
But there is a widespread view in the French capital that the player will spurn the offer, using it instead to squeeze more money out of Real Madrid, which is his preferred destination.
18597076(deleted)
1
It’s a practical move. Getting paid huge sums, in a severely less challenging league. The only thing they’ll miss is notoriety. But fame is ephemeral. Fans have short attention spans, and even shorter memory.
18597076(deleted)
0
Wait for a moment when camel fan comes and say it's his effect 🤣
You’ve beat them to it.
PUTA_PSG
1
Wait for a moment when camel fan comes and say it's his effect 🤣