Could we be arriving at an impasse in the latest Kylian Mbappé (24) transfer saga? A scenario that would have been unfathomable just a few weeks ago is emerging. Paris Saint-Germain may be desperate to sell the France captain, but there may not be a buyer.
The joyous scenes at the Parc des Princes back in May 2022 now seem a distant memory. Amidst intense interest from Real Madrid, Mbappé decided to remain with PSG, coming out onto the pitch with a ‘Mbappé 2025’ printed shirt. However, the shirt, naturally, didn’t reveal the nuances of the deal just signed by the AS Monaco academy product.
In fact, Mbappé’s contract runs until 2024 with an option for a further year. The Frenchman informed Les Parisiens’ hierarchy earlier in June that he would not be triggering the clause that would see him remain at the club until 2025. “Frustrated” by the shock letter informing them of the decision, Nasser Al Khelaifi and the rest of the club’s hierarchy decided to sell Mbappé this summer, rather than risk him leaving on a free in 2024, according to Foot Mercato.
According to Le Parisien, PSG are awaiting a quick response from Mbappé regarding his future. However, his response has clearly already been given both vocally and in writing. He does not want to stay at PSG beyond the end of next season. But nor does he want to leave this summer. In press conferences since, Mbappé has reiterated a desire to play for the reigning Ligue 1 champions next year.
Mbappé’s wishes contravene those of his current club. This difference is the potential source for conflict, but there is another party in play – Real Madrid. It is their stance that has the potential to cause an impasse that sees Mbappé, against PSG’s will, remain at his current club until next summer before leaving on a free.
The Athletic have reported that Los Blancos are willing to wait a year before bringing Mbappé to the club and see a transfer this summer as unlikely. The La Liga side have already heavily invested during this transfer window, bringing England midfielder Jude Bellingham to the Bernabeu, whilst they have also signed Joselu. The signing of the Spanish striker is perhaps significant with the club reportedly prepared to rely on a ‘transition’ player in the number nine position, like Joselu next season.
There are also financial motivations behind remaining at PSG for Mbappé. As well as earning a €70m loyalty bonus should he stay beyond the summer, it has also been reported by sources that Real Madrid would be willing to give the Frenchman a €130m signing bonus should he sign in the summer of 2024. A move before then would see him miss out on the loyalty bonus and the signing bonus, which would theoretically total €200m of losses for Mbappé.
It is within this context that an almost unthinkable impasse has developed. Mbappé wants to stay, PSG are desperate to sell, but Real Madrid don’t want to buy. Time will tell if this impasse is broken or if, seemingly in line with Real Madrid’s and Mbappé’s wishes, a free transfer manifests itself next summer.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle