Earlier this month, PSG was left stunned when Mbappe submitted a letter confirming his decision not to activate the extension to his contract until 2025. This move potentially allows him to leave the French giants for free in the summer of 2024. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has stated that Mbappe must sign a new deal or face the possibility of being sold this summer.
Despite this, it appears that Mbappe has no interest in extending his stay with PSG, leading to rumors that the club has placed him on the transfer list. His omission from Luis Enrique's pre-season tour squad has only fueled speculation about his future. Real Madrid has been heavily linked with the French forward, and some reports suggest that PSG believes he has already agreed to join the Spanish giants.
Numerous other European clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, have also shown interest in Mbappe. Liverpool is reportedly preparing a substantial bid, while Chelsea is considering an opening offer.
However, Al-Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has emerged as a serious contender. They have tabled an astonishing world-record offer of €300m (£259.3m) to secure Mbappe's services this summer. Despite no talks with the player yet, PSG is expected to accept the offer. Al-Hilal is prepared to offer Mbappe a world-record salary as part of the deal.
Should the transfer go through, PSG stands to make a significant profit on Mbappe, who was acquired for around €180m (£155m) from Monaco in 2018. This move would also eclipse the current world-record fee of €222m (£191m) paid for Neymar in 2017.
Al-Hilal has already made some notable signings this summer, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly from European clubs, and they have now set their sights on Mbappe.
Mbappe's contributions to PSG have been immense, making him the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 212 goals in 260 appearances across all competitions during the last six seasons. He netted an impressive 41 goals in 43 games last season. Additionally, Mbappe has won 12 trophies with PSG, including five Ligue 1 titles, and received numerous individual accolades, including four Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.
Should Mbappe depart, PSG may intensify their pursuit of attacking targets such as Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic, Tottenham's Harry Kane, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani. The summer transfer window promises to be an intriguing period as clubs compete for the signature of one of the brightest stars in world football.
