Lionel Messi (36) is headed to Inter Miami. Will Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal succeed in signing Kylian Mbappe (24)?
The British media outlet ‘BBC’ reported on May 25 (KST) that “Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal have made a stunning bid for Mbappe. They want to persuade Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a £259 million ($424.7 billion) transfer fee. PSG are open to a loan move for Mbappe,” the report said.
If Mbappe were to head to Al-Hilal, it would make soccer transfer fee history. The previous record was set in 2017 when Neymar, 31, left FC Barcelona for PSG for a fee of £200 million. Mbappe’s transfer from AS Monaco to PSG in 2017 cost £160 million ($261.8 billion).
Mbappe has already turned his back on the club. Mbappe has been at the center of a recent feud with PSG. In an interview, he directly expressed his dissatisfaction with the club, stating that “staying at PSG is not helping me”. This reportedly angered the Amir of Qatar. The focus is on releasing Mbappe.
Last season, Mbappe came close to securing a move to Real Madrid. However, PSG’s persistence convinced him to stay. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly stated that he wants Mbappe to stay at PSG. According to local French media, PSG reportedly offered Mbappe a new contract.
PSG is aiming for the top of Europe. After re-signing Mbappe, PSG formed the best trio in Europe with Messi and Neymar. They won the French Ligue 1 title. However, they failed to return to the top of the UEFA Champions League (UCL). In the round of 16, they were defeated by German giants Bayern Munich, 0-3 on aggregate in the first and second leg. 토토사이트
In effect, this summer’s transfer window is the last chance to sell Mbappe. Mbappe’s contract with PSG ends next summer. According to the BBC, Mbappe will not trigger his one-year contract extension clause. His intention is to join Real Madrid as a free agent. This is why the Amir of Qatar is furious with Mbappe’s decision. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi nailed it when he said, “It’s impossible to release Mbappe as a free agent”.
PSG is currently in the midst of a major roster overhaul. In addition to Lee Kang-in (22), the club has brought in Manu Ugarte (22), Luca Hernandez (27), and Milan Skriniar (29). Key striker Neymar, 31, opted to stay.
The goal of conflict is getting deeper. PSG traveled to Tokyo, Japan, for a preseason tour. Mbappe was left off the roster. His physical condition is fine. Mbappe played in the last game before PSG left for the tour. He even scored a goal just before the end of the game. According to local French media, Qatar’s Amir was furious with Mbappe’s attitude and was even planning to end his career.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal have entered the race to sign Mbappe. Al-Hilal had been targeting Messi, who became a free agent in the summer transfer window. Messi had been actively courted by Al-Hilal, but the player instead headed to Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer (MLS). Al Hilal hopes to make amends by bringing in Mbappe.
And he’s got a big offer. According to the BBC, Al Hilal offered PSG £259 million for Mbappe. An agreement was reached between the clubs. “Al-Hilal have been granted permission to talk to Mbappe,” the outlet said, explaining that “PSG want to sell him for a fee this year rather than let him leave for free next summer.”
However, the player is keen to join his ‘dream club’. Mbappe reportedly wants to join Spanish giants Real Madrid. Real Madrid are also serious about signing Mbappe. “Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was furious with PSG for canceling the Mbappe deal in the past, but he still wants to sign him,” said Sport Kida. “Real Madrid will pay €200 million, the highest transfer fee in the club’s history. It would surpass the fee paid for Eden Hazard from Chelsea in 2019.”
PSG declined to exercise the option to extend his contract by one year. Mbappe was set to join Real Madrid as a free agent next summer. However, PSG’s president Al-Khelaifi was adamant. “Al-Khelaifi is prepared to leave Mbappe out of the squad for the entire year if he does not resolve his dispute with the club,” the BBC reported.
For Mbappe, the one-year ban is devastating. Mbappe wants to improve his game before next year’s major tournament. Mbappe is expected to be a key part of the French national team at UEFA Euro 2024. Wasting a year without resolving his dispute with his club would be devastating for both the player and his country.
European clubs are also interested in Mbappe, with English Premier League (PL) clubs Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur among the favorites, according to the BBC. Italian clubs Inter Milan and Barcelona have also expressed interest in Mbappe. Mbappe is most interested in joining Real Madrid.
Al Hilal are collecting European stars in their pursuit of Mbappe. It has brought in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ key midfielder Nabil Neves, 26, and Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly, 31.
Saudi clubs are using their deep pockets to sweep up players. Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo (37, Al Nasr), N’Golo Kante (31), Karim Benzema (35, Al Ittihad) and Roberto Firmino (31, Al Ahli) have headed to the Middle East.
PSG will play three matches on their tour of Japan before facing Jeonbuk Hyundai in a friendly at the Busan Asiad Stadium on March 3.