Real Madrid's ultimatum, Liverpool's interest and Al-Khelaifi's hopes: how the story develops with Mbappe's possible departure from PSG

Real Madrid's tough approach

While the European football giants are trying to strengthen their squads before the spring part of the season, the saga of Kylian Mbappe's possible departure from Paris Saint-Germain is approaching its climax. In the summer of 2024, the Frenchman's contract with the club expires, so he can negotiate with potential employers right now. However, it is not yet possible to call his departure a done deal, as stated by both the athlete himself and his entourage, which only increases the level of excitement around this topic.

The management of Real Madrid also contributed to this, where they have been hoping to see the star striker for several years. Until recently, Madrid were considered the main contenders for Mbappe and seriously counted on his early move to the capital of Spain. After all, how else to explain their refusal to acquire a worthy replacement for Karim Benzema, who went to Saudi Arabia in the summer? But sooner or later, even Florentino Perez may run out of patience.

At the end of 2023, the Marca newspaper reported on the intention of the "creamy" to initiate the next stage of negotiations with Kylian in the first week of the new year. It is argued that they should be of key importance. If the negotiations fail, Real Madrid threatens to abandon the idea of signing Mbappe and focus on other candidates. One of them is Manchester City's top scorer Erling Haaland, who won five trophies in 2023.

Among other things, Real Madrid have taken a rather tough stance on the issue of discussing Mbappe's future contract. The 35-time Spanish champion offered the Frenchman the same conditions as in 2022, arguing this by the weakening of the club's economy and a new transfer policy that prioritizes young players. Thus, the recruit is entitled to a salary of €26 million per year and a signing bonus of €130 million.

But if rumors are to be believed, Mbappe himself wants much more. According to The Telegraph, he expects to earn €75 million a year at Real Madrid after taxes, and this does not include the signing bonus. After all, in the event of a free departure from Paris Saint-Germain, he will refuse a loyalty bonus of €70-80 million.

Mbappé's displeasure

One way or another, the Frenchman himself clearly did not like the rhetoric of the Spanish team. Yes, he is still determined to resolve all questions about his future before the Champions League playoffs start in mid-February, where PSG will face Real Sociedad. But he made it clear that he would not allow Real Madrid to give him ultimatums. According to The Times, he voiced this position to his inner circle, announcing his intention to explore all available options. In particular, Kylian allegedly mentioned Liverpool, whose style of play has long appealed to him.

Is it a coincidence, but a week and a half ago the press reported that the Merseysiders were ready to compete for the forward. Rumors of the club's interest in him have been circulating over the past years, and in light of his potential entry into the free agent market, they have only intensified.

According to Le Parisien, Mbappe will be called upon at Liverpool to replace Mohamed Salah, who may soon go to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Jurgen Klopp's long-term attention to the Frenchman may contribute to the striker's arrival at Anfield.

Nevertheless, in a conversation with the media, Mbappe has recently tried to speak as diplomatically as possible and stressed that he is now fully focused on playing for PSG. As he told RMC Sport after winning the French Super Cup, this year he is extremely motivated and intends to help his team win trophies, and has not yet made a final decision regarding where to continue his career. Kylian also mentioned that there is a certain agreement, thanks to which the representatives of the club will "remain calm in the face of the upcoming challenges".

Al-Khelaifi's flattery and new rumors of his departure

Subsequently, the president of Paris Saint-Germain also raised the topic of an agreement between the parties. But he answered questions about it rather evasively. Nasser Al-Khelaifi declined to elaborate on her financial terms and called the agreement gentlemanly and unrelated to money. However, he made it clear that it was concluded not only between him and the Frenchman, but also with the participation of the head coach and the sporting director. However, the latter position remains vacant after Luís Campos was transferred to the post of football operations adviser.

Over the past week, Al-Khelaifi has repeatedly spoken positively about Mbappe, calling him a great player and person, expressing his desire to keep him in the squad, calling PSG the best team for him. He also expressed confidence that he would not do anything bad to the club, at the same time urging the athlete to be left alone. Perhaps the reason for the functionary's activity in the media space was the appearance in the media of information about the alleged agreement reached between Kylian and Real Madrid.

This was first reported by the Foot Mercato portal. According to him, Mbappe resolved all the issues with Real Madrid in early January, and in the summer he will join the "creamy" squad. Subsequently, El Chiringuito journalist Edu Aguirre spoke in a similar vein. According to him, in the near future, the striker plans to personally meet with Al-Khelaifi and announce it to him.

However, this information has not yet been confirmed, neither by the Parisians nor by Mbappe. As stated in the forward's entourage, the negotiations have not yet begun, and no outside influence will help to force them. However, you can't fully believe the words of Kylian's representatives, because a couple of years ago they already used similar tactics. Then the athlete was also one step away from moving to Real Madrid, but then he got better conditions for himself and stayed at PSG. And he may well do it again.

Nevertheless, several former footballers have little doubt that Mbappe will soon move to the Spanish capital. In particular, this opinion is shared by Real Madrid legend Guti. According to him, the Blancos dream of luring Kylian to join them, and he is eager to join them. And the vast experience of Florentino Perez, who previously brought Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham to Madrid, will help to achieve this goal.

A similar position is held by the world and European champion in the French national team, Christophe Dugarry. He expressed the opinion that Mbappe's time at PSG has passed, which he already knows. And he advised the forward to publicly announce his departure as soon as possible.