Transfer News: French captain agrees Real Madrid move
A potential transfer saga is potentially about to be concluded
Kylian Mbappe has made the decision to join Real Madrid this summer, after informing PSG of his intention to leave when his contract expires in June.
While Mbappe hasn't yet put pen to paper with Real Madrid, the agreement is likely to be formalised once it's certain that the two clubs won't face each other in the current season's Champions League.
This move comes as Mbappe stands as PSG's top goal scorer, boasting a record 244 goals for the club.
Keen to resolve his future before March, Mbappe held discussions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on 13th February, revealing his decision to join Real Madrid. Following reports of his departure last Thursday, Mbappe was omitted from the starting lineup in Saturday's match against Nantes.
Despite this, he still made an impact coming off the bench, scoring a penalty as PSG secured a 14-point lead at the summit of Ligue 1.
The impending deal sees Mbappe poised to sign a five-year contract with Real Madrid, securing a salary of 15 million euros (£12.8 million) annually, in addition to a substantial signing-on bonus of 150 million euros (£128 million) to be disbursed over five years. Furthermore, Mbappe will retain a share of his image rights.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has already formulated plans to integrate Mbappe into his squad, envisioning the Frenchman occupying a left-of-centre role. Should Croatian midfielder Luka Modric depart, Mbappe is in line to inherit the coveted number 10 shirt.
In the Champions League at the moment, PSG holds a 2-0 advantage over Real Sociedad in the Champions League last-16 tie, while Real Madrid leads RB Leipzig 1-0.
Do you remember Mbappe at Monaco?
Mbappe began his career at Monaco, winning the French title before his move to PSG in 2017, initially on loan before a permanent transfer worth 180 million euros (£165.7 million).
One of his most impressive moments came in a Champions League match against Manchester City. This is what probably alerted some of Europe's top clubs to his talents.
Throughout his tenure at PSG, Mbappe has scored an impressive record of 244 goals and 93 assists in 291 appearances, contributing to five Ligue 1 title triumphs.
Following his decision not to accept a contract extension with PSG last May, Mbappe was excluded from the club's pre-season tour to Japan. Despite previously turning down Real Madrid when he extended his contract with PSG in May 2022, Mbappe's departure is anticipated to involve either a transfer fee or financial concessions on his part.
What are they saying in Spain?
🚨 @FabrizioRomano on Mbappé & Real Madrid: “I really think it’s the end of the saga & the formal steps will take place soon. Mbappé will communicate with PSG once he formally signs the document.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 20, 2024
Mbappé has the contract in his hands, it’s a matter of time now.” @caughtoffside pic.twitter.com/Tlj31TBjLE
Jon Manuel, our Real Madrid writer, gave his thoughts on this future transfer.
"We have been attempting to sign Kylian Mbappe for the last seven years, and it seems that they will finally succeed this summer. Mbappe's entourage has been in talks with Real Madrid for the past three to four weeks to finalize the deal, which is quite complicated due to the large sums of money involved.
"Although Mbappe will become the highest-paid player in Real Madrid's history, he will also have to accept a wage cut from his current salary at PSG, which is phenomenal."
