Kylian Mbappé has opted to join Real Madrid when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, according to ESPN sources.
ESPN reported last month that Mbappé had been given a contract by Madrid, and a source said he is expected to reveal his choice to join the 14-time European winners next week.
Mbappé, 25, has not yet notified PSG or Real Madrid, according to reports, but his decision has already been made.
His ambition to play with France in the Olympic Games on home soil this summer will be a key factor in the negotiations with Madrid.
And, given Mbappé’s recent U-turn on a move to the Bernabéu in 2022, he may alter his mind before the deal is completed by both parties. However, his move to Madrid now appears to be on track for this summer.
According to ESPN, PSG offered Mbappé a wage increase based on his €72 million ($77.8 million) gross salary, but the France international declined. According to ESPN sources, by leaving the club as a free agent, Mbappé will miss out on bonuses worth around €100 million.
According to a source, his pay at Madrid will be half of what he receives now at PSG.
The France captain, who grew up idolising Bernabéu giants Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, has always wanted to play for Madrid, and according to a source, he believes now is the appropriate time in his career to relocate to the Spanish city.
According to ESPN, PSG planned two scenarios for Mbappé’s future plans: one in which he stayed with the club and one in which he left. However, insiders say there has been speculation at the club for several weeks that he may go.
After deciding on Mbappé’s future, PSG plans to replace him with AC Milan’s Rafael Leão.