Kylian Mbappe to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer

Kylian Mbappe, whose contract with PSG is set to expire in the summer, has informed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his decision to join Real Madrid. While PSG anticipates this move, the specifics of Mbappe’s departure are still under negotiation, whether he will be transferred for a fee or agree to a reduction in his earnings.

The potential transfer marks the culmination of ongoing interest from Real Madrid in the 25-year-old forward, who may need to accept a pay cut to facilitate the move, despite Real Madrid’s willingness to offer him the highest salary in their history.

This development follows PSG’s rejection of a €220m (£188m) bid from Real Madrid for Mbappe in August 2021, after which Mbappe opted to extend his contract with PSG until this summer. However, if he were to prolong his tenure with PSG by another year, the club would value him at €150m (£128m) in the upcoming transfer window.

Mbappe’s departure aligns with PSG’s strategic shift away from the era of individualistic Galacticos, favoring a younger, more collective-focused squad. This transition has seen the departures of key players like Neymar, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, and Marco Verratti.

His exit will also alleviate PSG’s financial burden, as his wages reportedly cost the club €200m (£171m) annually. PSG intends to reinvest these freed-up funds into securing replacements and bolstering their squad, with plans for multiple signings in the upcoming transfer window.

The emergence of young talents like Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola underscores PSG’s commitment to nurturing youthful prospects. Players like Xavi Simons, currently on loan at RB Leipzig, are seen as integral to PSG’s future plans.

Renewals are expected for key players like Simons and Zaire-Emery, while Barcola, who joined from Lyon on a five-year deal, represents a long-term investment in PSG’s squad.

While negotiations between Mbappe and Real Madrid have been protracted due to wage considerations, an agreement is expected in the coming months. Inside Real Madrid, there’s confidence that Mbappe will choose to join the club, with discussions suggesting a potential salary offer of €25m (£21m) after tax.