French striker Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris St-Germain (PSG) of his intention to leave the club at the end of the season. The 25-year-old’s contract with the Ligue 1 champions is set to expire, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. Despite a stand-off with PSG last summer, an agreement was reached to ensure the club would not lose out when Mbappe eventually departs. The terms of his exit, involving either a transfer fee or financial concessions on the player’s part, are yet to be confirmed.
Mbappe’s future has been a subject of speculation, and Real Madrid appears to be his likely destination. PSG, aiming to build a younger squad, seems willing to part ways with the striker. Mbappe, who played a crucial role in France’s World Cup victory in 2018, currently earns an estimated €200 million per year (£171 million).
While PSG would have preferred Mbappe to stay, his departure aligns with their strategy to transition away from the ‘Galacticos’ approach, which has also seen Lionel Messi and Neymar leave since last season. PSG is currently leading Ligue 1 by 11 points and remains active in domestic and Champions League competitions.
The confirmation of Mbappe’s departure raises questions about the negotiation process between the player and Real Madrid. Financial Fair Play rules will play a role in the negotiations, with Real Madrid possibly having to choose between Mbappe and Erling Haaland due to budget constraints.
The upcoming weeks and months will likely witness negotiations between Mbappe and Real Madrid, determining the terms of the move and shaping the dynamics of the summer transfer window.
