Kylian Mbappe is nearing the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain, with free agency beckoning for the Real Madrid-linked sensation.
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PSG president Leonardo has refuted that the French international has received a contract extension offer of around €200 million (£166 million/$222 million).
PSG are unwilling to give up on their efforts to hammer out new terms with a precious asset, with an obvious desire to keep the outstanding 23-year-old at the club.
Kylian Mbappe and his entourage are still being talked to, but speculations of a mega-money deal on the table have been debunked by the club’s sporting director.
What’s been said so far?
“That’s not true, we haven’t sent an exact offer,” Leonardo told L’Equipe of the rumors about a €200 million deal.
“There is one important element: I believe the amount will be the last thing we put on this contract.” We want to place him in the greatest possible situation to help him become the best player he can be. I estimate that putting the amount will take two minutes at the end.”
Leonardo when asked about Mbappe’s prospects of staying with PSG, “Our chances of keeping him? I’m not sure, but there are possibilities.
“As long as there isn’t a signature, we’ll try everything and do everything we can to keep him.” I don’t believe he will make a decision based on the outcome against Real Madrid.
“We have a new generation coming through, we have young people from the training ground, and we have a desire to invest in other areas.” Qatar’s efforts over the last ten years have elevated PSG to the ranks of great clubs. The club is now a reality. It is adored, respected, and admired.”
Is Mbappe looking for a fresh challenge?
Kylian Mbappe joined PSG in the same summer that Neymar completed his world-record-breaking move to France, and he has had 156 goals in 205 outings since then.
Despite long-standing interest from heavyweight clubs in Spain, Leonardo has yet to face a challenge outside of his birthplace, and he understands why rumors of a move elsewhere persist.
“It’s a question of sentiment,” the Brazilian stated, with PSG hoping that iconic teammates and a dedicated fan base can help keep Mbappe in his current surroundings. When a French player first starts out, his goal is to play in another country. It’s no surprise that the majority of the players on the 1998 world title squad came from other countries.
“Kylian was the only member of the traditional XI who played in France in 2018.” [Paul] Pogba and [Antoine] Griezmann have never played in Ligue 1, and [Zinedine] Zidane’s career has been spent more in the United States than in France. However, there was no club the size of PSG at the time.
“Because we aren’t sellers, we have a different attitude.” Now I believe Kylian has given this a lot of thought. The atmosphere in the stadium on Saturday was incredible. Something is being made, and it is not only for him.
“I’m not saying this to be clichéd, but other clubs don’t have ultras.” It can put a strain on you. It’s a feeling that comes from a slew of small events. It is our responsibility to comprehend it and to know what it requires at any given time.
“When you’re in a team with the best player in history [Lionel Messi], Neymar, and him, you can argue about who’s first, second, and so on.” But there is a sense of unity and mutual respect between them.”
