Kylian Mbappe has yet to communicate his decision on whether to stay at Paris Saint-Germain or join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
According to multiple people familiar with the issue, Mbappe was leaning towards joining Madrid, but prominent members of his entourage were unimpressed by the Spanish club’s offer, prolonging the process. Sources consulted for this piece include a variety of perspectives from each of the three parties engaged in the case, and all requested anonymity to protect their interests.
As previously revealed by The Athletic, Mbappe has been aware of Madrid’s willingness to grant him the conditions since early January. With the Frenchman’s PSG contract set to expire after June 30, they have been able to negotiate conditions as he enters the final six months of his tenure in France.
Madrid’s offer was lower than what was made available to him during the club’s previous negotiations for a move from PSG in May 2022, but it would still make Mbappe the highest-paid player in Madrid’s roster.
According to sources acquainted with the talks two years ago, Mbappe was offered a €130 million (£110 million; $140 million at current rates) signing bonus and a €26 million annual salary in 2022.
PSG, meanwhile, presented the 25-year-old with a variety of options to stay, with contracts ranging in length from short-term to long-term, which are still active and would keep Mbappe at his current salary at the French club — sources say this is €75 million after tax, excluding any bonuses.
Mbappe has scored 30 goals in 29 appearances for PSG this season.)
Madrid’s president Florentino Perez has been in direct communication with Mbappe and has been the driving force behind the Spanish club’s current move for a player who turned them down two years ago, despite first believing he had agreed to transfer.
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Madrid is unable to match PSG’s offer, but people familiar with the situation say Perez believes he has done everything possible to recruit Mbappe and continues to hope and believe he would accept. The Madrid president has attempted to persuade Mbappe that joining with Madrid will elevate his sports and marketing prominence. One source stated that Perez has been “unusually closely” involved in the negotiations. However, there can be no promises in this circumstance, since similar initiatives have already failed.
As talks progressed in early January, Madrid informed Mbappe’s representatives that they hoped to conclude the latest chapter of what has been a long-running transfer story by mid-January. They have always aimed to prevent a repeat of what occurred in May 2022.
However, the player’s entourage was dissatisfied with this ‘deadline’, believing they required additional time. Sources at the Santiago Bernabeu are still waiting for a definitive decision, which they believe to arrive “soon”.
Mbappe first gave favourable indicators to Madrid, and the mood had improved in recent weeks as a deal was eventually agreed upon. The optimism was so strong that Carlo Ancelotti was told that the Frenchman would be available to him starting next summer.
However, insiders indicate the player’s entourage is split on how to continue. According to them, influential voices in Mbappe’s camp argue that Madrid’s offer is lower than what Mbappe earns at PSG or could earn from another potential suitor.
However, prominent officials at the Parc des Princes have recently expressed scepticism over Mbappe’s contract renewal. According to club sources, the player declined an option to stay for another year last summer, and he has consistently stated his affection for Real Madrid.
According to PSG sources, the club is comfortable with the situation. They believe Mbappe’s decision to pass up the potential to collect a bonus worth at least €80 million last summer protects them economically. On a sports level, the club says that it is committed to developing a balanced project that is not dependent on individuals and prioritises the group.