Exclusive: Mbappe Inches Closer to Record-Breaking Move as PSG Sanctions Talks with Al Hilal
PSG grants Kylian Mbappe permission to speak to Al Hilal after a world-record bid Mbappe, with one year left on his contract, is unwilling to sign a new deal and rumored to join Real Madrid France's players' union threatens PSG with legal action Follow the transfer window with Sky Sports
Paris Saint-Germain has given their blessing for Kylian Mbappe to hold discussions with Al Hilal following the Saudi club's staggering £259m bid, which broke the world record.
In an attempt to offload the talented player, the French champions have omitted Mbappe from their lineup for the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. This decision was made to ensure that only players who demonstrate unwavering dedication to the club are included.
In addition to Al Hilal's record-breaking offer, PSG has received various offers for Mbappe, including cash plus player deals. However, it is Al Hilal who has showcased their intention by submitting the bid that would set a new world record.
PSG is aware that there are at least five clubs, including Tottenham, who have expressed their interest in signing Mbappe.
There is said to already be a "hot market" for the France captain with the interested clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona.
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Mbappe's proposed move to Al Hilal would make him the most expensive player of all time, surpassing Neymar's £198m deal with PSG
PSG is open to considering offers and proposals to sell Mbappe. Ideally, the French champions would prefer to sell him to the highest bidder. However, it is unlikely that other clubs will be able to match Al Hilal's offer. Mbappe has a year left on his contract but refuses to sign a new one. PSG believes that he has already made an agreement to join Real Madrid for free next year.
However, Real may now be tempted to make a formal bid for the player to make sure they do not miss out on him again.
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Spurs are among the Premier League clubs interested in Mbappe
PSG is committed to ensuring that Mbappe, who was rumored to have been acquired from Monaco for a price exceeding £150m, does not leave without compensation. Moreover, clubs who express interest have been informed that PSG is open to the possibility of loaning Mbappe for the duration of the season.
Mbappe is ready to stand his ground, spend the upcoming season on the bench, and depart for Madrid without a transfer fee next summer. Unless he signs a contract extension, the 24-year-old won't feature for PSG anymore.
Analysis: Will Mbappe be convinced to move to Saudi Arabia?
Regarding the club granting permission to Al Hilal for discussions with Kylian Mbappe, the crucial question remains: does Mbappe himself desire to engage with Al Hilal? Presently, there is no indication suggesting Mbappe's interest in pursuing a move to Saudi Arabia at this point in his professional journey.Many are suggesting that Kylian Mbappe would only consider joining Real Madrid, making the efforts of other clubs like Al Hilal seem futile. However, it's worth noting that these Saudis, specifically the sovereign wealth fund and PIF, recently made a significant investment in the sport of golf, essentially purchasing the entire industry.
In fact, they even offered Tiger Woods a staggering $700m to join the LIV Golf tour. This substantial amount of money was given to Woods, who is in the twilight of his career, indicating that the Saudis are willing to spend exorbitant sums for top talent. Given this, it wouldn't be surprising if they also extended enormous offers to Mbappe, who many consider to be the current best player in the world.
Saudi Mbappe interest was 'inevitable'
Statement from French football expert Jonathan Johnson:"There is speculation floating around with some mind-boggling figures. According to certain US sources, Al Hilal is purportedly presenting a jaw-dropping offer of approximately €700m to Mbappe for just one season, with the added suggestion that he could then make a move to Real Madrid. However, I must clarify that I have not personally come across such information. What I can confirm is that on Saturday, Al Hilal did submit an offer of €300m to PSG."
This could be considered the ideal situation for PSG to receive a record-breaking transfer fee from a club that is willing to offer Mbappe a substantial amount of money in a short timeframe. This arrangement would not hinder Mbappe's future desire to play for Real Madrid. Additionally, a shorter duration contract is more enticing for someone like Kylian Mbappe compared to a longer commitment of three or four years.
Inevitably, Saudi Arabia had to enter the picture and make an audacious move to lure Kylian Mbappe from PSG, especially considering the recent deterioration in the situation over the past few days.
"PSG would be willing to accept the offer if it is a firm one, and if there is a sign that Kylian Mbappe would be open to discussing personal terms and listening to the astonishing proposal that Saudi Arabia might potentially present. France's players' union, identified as
France's players' union threatens PSG with legal action
, has accused PSG of engaging in moral harassment towards Mbappe and has even threatened the club with legal action in order to safeguard the rights of the talented forward."
A statement issued by the Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionels (UNFP) emphasized the imperative for these players, without exception, to be entitled to identical working conditions as their professional counterparts.
The UNFP believes it's important to remind managers that pressurizing employees, such as by worsening their working conditions, in order to make them leave or comply with the employer's demands, qualifies as moral harassment according to French law. Therefore, the UNFP asserts its right to pursue legal action, both civil and criminal, against any club that engages in such behavior.
