Kylian Mbappe has informed PSG that he will become a free agent this summer, according to sources who spoke to Jonathan Johnson of CBS Sports. A longtime rumоr has it that the 25-year-old forward is interested in joining Real Madrid, and this decision would facilitate that transfer. The Athletic was the initial outlet to disclоse the news.
Due to the fact that his contract was set to expire at the end of June, he has had the freedom to sign a pre-contract since the start of the year. As a consequence of this decision, one of the most exceptional athletes in the world will most likely be on the move by the summer of 2021. Mbappe is anticipated to represent France at Euro 2024 and, conceivably, the Paris-hosted Summer Olympics.
Prior to extending his current contract with PSG, Mbappe had verbally agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. As a result, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mbappe has been prolonged. Things feel different this time around, given that Mbappe’s capacity to compete in both the Euros and the Olympics is a crucial factor in his future. Although senior players are not required to be released for Olympic duty and it is taxing for them to compete in both tournaments, his greatest ambition is to lead France to a gold medal. After having already won the World Cup, Mbappe would complete an international trifecta by capturing the Euros and the Olympics.
Mbappe could technically remain a free agent and compete in both competitions without the consent of either club, since he would not be officially affiliated with either. It is uncertain whether he would be granted advance permission by a club to participate in both tournaments.
Additionally, Mbappe’s quest for a Champions League championship warrants consideration. In contrast to Madrid’s four UCL championships since 2016, PSG has yet to secure one, with their highest finish being a tie for second place in 2020. Despite not having won the trophy in Paris while flanked by Lionel Messi and Neymar, Mbappe’s Champions League aspirations are of the utmost importance and must be accomplished by winning everything that is possible in France.
Although PSG is still in contention for the Champions League this year, Mbappe can end his tenure with the club by claiming the trophy after scoring in the first leg of their round of 16 match against Real Sociedad. In 2017, Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco in one of the most costly transactions in history, for a staggering €180 million. However, that was also money well spent. Since his début in 2015, not only has no player scored more goals in Ligue 1, but Mbappe, who is only 25, has also become PSG’s leading scorer.
PSG has seen Mbappe score 243 goals in 290 appearances, and with 31 goals in 30 encounters, he is the leading goalscorer in Europe. Five Ligue 1 championships, three Coupes de France, two Coupes de la Ligue, and three Trophées des Champions adorn his PSG trophy case. However, his lack of a Champions League triumph may come to symbolize his legacy in Paris. PSG still has an opportunity to conclude the season on a positive note, but this may prove to be a case of “what might have been.”
A potential for Olympic success
Already expressing his desire to participate in the Olympics in a GQ interview, Mbappe confirmed that it is a top priority for him to achieve in 2024.
“For any athlete, the Olympics have a special place and I already wаnted to go to Tokyo because I want to win everything and write my nаme in the history of the French team as that of a player who mattered,” Mbappe commented.
It would have likely been necessary for Mbappe to extend his contract with PSG in order to participate in the Olympics, but there is also a possibility that he will not do so before the end of the season. A contract-free trip to the Olympics by Mbappe, should he sustain an ιnjury there, could potentially restrict his destination options, thereby diminishing his earning potential. It remаins to be seen whether he will be able to reach an agreement prior to the cups that would grant him permission to participate in both.
What are PSG’s future plans?
During that summer, Paris Saint-Germain repurchased Xavi Simons and added youngsters Randal Kolo-Muani, Manuel Ugarte, Bradley Barcola, Hugo Ekitike, and Kang-in Lee to their roster. It is a talented group that could usher PSG into its next era, but they must be relied upon without Mbappe in order to flourish. PSG may have the finest collection of players under the age of 24 in the world, second only to Real Madrid. Therefore, while it would be unfortunate to lose a star like Mbappe, the salary savings enable PSG to retain their own stars and pursue stronger defenders to bolster their аttаck.
Where then would Madrid be absent?
It is reasonable to anticipate that Mbappe will make the Santiago Bernabeu his next home with Real Madrid, but that does not meаn that other clubs will not be orbiting. Prior to deciding to offer PSG a $300 million transfer fee and Mbappe a $1 billiоn compensation, Saudi Arabia had already initiated discussions regarding Mbappe. Although the request to remain in Europe was denied, that does not preclude Saudi Arabia from reentering the competition. Even though Mbappe would be able to emulate Thierry Henry, Arsenal are a club that could complicate matters, and Liverpool are yet another Premier League club that cannot be ruled out. Mohamed Salah’s departure could create sufficient space for a pursuit of Mbappe, notwithstanding the managerial ambiguity surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the conclusion of the season.