French striker Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris St-Germain (PSG) of his intention to leave the club at the end of the current season.
As his contract with the Ligue 1 champions is due to expire, speculation about his move to Real Madrid has intensified. Mbappe’s relationship with PSG has been tense, highlighted by his exclusion from the first-team squad and the pre-season tour of Asia last summer. A compromise was found to ensure PSG would not be at a disadvantage upon his departure, though the specifics of his exit remain undecided, according to UK state broadcaster the BBC.
Mbappe has the option to extend his contract for another year, but his departure could involve a transfer fee or financial compromises. PSG, aiming to rejuvenate their squad and shift away from their ‘Galacticos’ strategy, which has already seen the exits of Lionel Messi and Neymar, appears to be preparing for life without Mbappe.
Mbappe, who earns approximately €200 million annually, has been pivotal for PSG, scoring 243 goals and providing 93 assists in 290 appearances, contributing to five Ligue 1 titles.
Before joining PSG in 2017, he had a successful stint with Monaco. Despite a previous agreement to extend his contract with PSG until 2023, with an option for another year, Mbappe has decided against the extension, leading to speculation about his future and a refused offer from Al-Hilal. His decision to stay at PSG in May 2022, turning down Real Madrid, has been a significant chapter in his career, marked by achievements and controversies alike.
