The striker for Paris St-Germain, Kylian Mbappe, has reportedly reached an agreement to transfer to Real Madrid this summer.
The 25-year-old captain of France has informed PSG of his intention to depart the club as his contract is set to expire in June.
While Kylian Mbappe has not yet inked a contract with Real Madrid, the announcement of the deal may occur once it becomes impossible for the clubs to face each other in this season’s Champions League.
As PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer with 244 goals, Mbappe desired clarity on his future prior to March. On February 13, ahead of training, he met with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and communicated his decision to join Real Madrid.
Following reports of his departure surfacing last Thursday, Mbappe was omitted from the starting lineup for Saturday’s match against Nantes. However, he came off the bench to convert a penalty as PSG extended their lead to 14 points at the summit of Ligue 1.
Reportedly, Mbappe is poised to sign a five-year contract with Real Madrid, earning €15 million (£12.8 million) annually, along with a signing-on bonus of €150 million (£128 million) spread over five years. Additionally, he will retain a portion of his image rights.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has already strategized how to integrate Mbappe into his squad, envisioning England midfielder Jude Bellingham in a deeper role, Brazilian Vinicius Jr on the left flank, and Mbappe deployed on the left of center.
Should Croatia midfielder Luka Modric depart this summer, Mbappe is poised to assume the number 10 shirt he currently dons for France.
Following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter, PSG holds a 2-0 advantage over Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid leads RB Leipzig 1-0.
How have we got here?
Mbappe clinched the French title with Monaco before embarking on his journey with PSG at the age of 18 in 2017, initially through a loan deal before sealing a permanent move worth 180 million euros (£165.7 million).
Throughout his tenure, he has amassed an impressive tally of 244 goals and 93 assists in 291 appearances for PSG, contributing significantly to the club’s attainment of five Ligue 1 titles.
Initially poised to depart PSG on a free transfer at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, Mbappe eventually opted for a two-year contract extension, with the possibility of an additional year.
However, when Mbappe communicated his reluctance to agree to the extra 12 months of the contract extension, he was omitted from PSG’s pre-season tour to Japan last July.
Subsequently, he declined to engage with representatives from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who had tabled a world record £259 million offer for his services.
Following what PSG described as “very constructive and positive” discussions, Mbappe resumed first-team training.
In May 2022, Mbappe turned down an opportunity to join Real Madrid, choosing instead to extend his stay at PSG under his current contract terms.
With a one-year extension clause in place, his departure is expected to involve either a transfer with a corresponding fee or concessions on the player’s financial terms.