PSG have withdrawn striker Kylian Mbappe from their team for the Japan and Korea tour. This is a harsh punishment for the Paris team, and it demonstrates that the relationship with Mbappe is no longer salvageable.
PSG opted to play aggressively
Following the 2-0 friendly victory against Le Havre, PSG opted to remove Mbappe’s nаme from the list of players scheduled to travel to Japan and Korea. The Paris club believes that the 2018 world champion has agreed to leave Real Madrid for free next summer.
The French striker has consistently stated that he will not exercise the one-year extension clause in his contract with PSG signed a year ago. This enraged the team’s leadership, who determined to levy a severe penalty.
In his statement on Tuesday, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi mentioned the 24-year-old striker, saying, “If someone doesn’t want to be here to defend the colors of the club, the door will be open to him.” Al-Khelaifi stated his opinion on Mbappe’s case a few days earlier, on the occasion of the unveiling of new coach Luis Enrique: either this player extends his contract or he will be sold this summer. PSG believes that the second option has never been closer to becoming a reality.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that Mbappe, who joined the team in 2017, will not play for PSG until he agrees to a contract extension.” All offers will be examined, at least until the transfer window closes. Players must be committed to the club. We always have faith in them and their families. However, loyalty is required.”
PSG has maintained its desire to take harsh measures against the player, who was purchased for 180 million euros six years ago. “Anyone who does not travel to Japan is not a member of the club’s plans.” “We need a definitive answer from Mbappe,” stated sporting director Luis Campos. The Paris team’s leadership aims to launch “a new PSG without Mbappe” after this trip in Japan.
Mbappe is also unsuitable
Florentino Perez, Al-Khelaifi’s counterpart at Real Madrid, had not contacted him about Mbappe until this Friday. PSG is counting down the days until July 31, the deadline for Mbappe to exercise his right to activate the contract’s extension option. If not, they will formally place this striker on the market for sale. Several clubs have contacted PSG, but the French player must make a decision.
According to the French press, PSG is willing to take proposals well below the 180 million euros they paid for the winger in 2017. PSG may even be willing to “put Mbappe on the bench for the 2023/24 season if he does not sign with another club this summer.”
Mbappe, for his part, is a tough player. In any case, Paris will be unable to force a player still under contract to leave without his consent. “What Kylian Mbappe is doing is almost destructive,” according to a PSG insider. “With a possible free transfer, he decreases his club’s power while strengthening one of its main competitors.” This impasse keeps things uncomfortable, and neither side appears willing to let go.”
Mbappe, who signed a new deal with PSG last summer, will receive a massive loyalty bonus, estimated at 90 million euros by El Pais, if he stays at the club for another year. All indications point to Mbappe’s likely arrival at Real Madrid next summer. However, PSG will do all possible to counteract this throughout the transfer window.
