Kylian Mbappe’s transfer saga is still not showing any signs of a clear resolution, as it has now been reported that Paris Saint-Germain are desperate to try and extend the Frenchman’s contract.
Mbappe had reportedly decided to run down his contract in the French capital before joining Real Madrid for free next year, but a furious PSG have given him an ultimatum to either extend his contract or leave now, meaning that they can receive a transfer fee for him.
Real Madrid have stayed relatively quiet in this situation so far, but there may be worries that a deal which previously looked like it would happen on a free transfer may become one where they have to negotiate a potentially record-breaking fee with PSG.
RMC SPORT have now reported that PSG are open to any option to extend Mbappe’s contract to protect his value, including offering him a significant payrise on his current deal. Despite the World Cup winner’s insistence that he will leave next year, the Parisians are keen to try and rescue the situation to stop him leaving for nothing.
What should Real do about Mbappe?
Karim Benzema’s departure puts a bit more pressure on Real Madrid to secure their main target, either now or for next summer.
The transfer feels almost inevitable, but the finances involved, as well as the difficulty of the deal, will change if Mbappe extends his contract with PSG and increases his salary or bonuses.
Real could continue waiting, given Mbappe’s desire to join the club, and see if the player agrees a deal with PSG that will allow him to leave next summer for a certain fee.
Mbappe has been described as “world-class” by France manager Didier Deschamps, and he seems destined to be a ‘Galactico’ to lead this young Real Madrid team for the next generation.
However, if Mbappe does not change the terms of his current deal, then PSG may try and force him out now, which could put Real Madrid in a strong position.
It is unclear if there is enough financial firepower to pay a record fee for him now, just after signing Jude Bellingham, but it would mean that they have their Benzema replacement immediately, rather than in a year.