In a sensational turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has received a staggering world-record bid of €300 million ($333 million) for their star forward Kylian Mbappe from Saudi club Al Hilal, as disclosed by a reliable source closely involved in the negotiations to AFP on Monday.
The bid has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with Real Madrid, widely regarded as the frontrunners in the chase for the prolific striker, also expressing keen interest, according to the same source.
Al Hilal has made a formal offer to PSG through a written letter, but any potential transfer would require Mbappe’s consent, as the French player has shown no inclination towards moving to the fast-growing Saudi league.
“The club has given permission to Al Hilal to speak with Mbappe. That’s the request of the letter and that’s been granted,” said a PSG source, indicating the seriousness of the offer.
Notably, Al Hilal is among the clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and has already made impressive signings this summer, securing central defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolves.
Kylian Mbappe, 24, currently has one year remaining on his contract with PSG, who are eager to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer. However, Mbappe has shown reluctance in signing a new contract, and the French champions suspect he has already struck a deal to join Real Madrid next year without a transfer fee.
The situation has become increasingly tense, leading PSG to leave Mbappe out of their squad for the tour of Japan and South Korea over the weekend. Reports even suggest that if a resolution is not reached with the player, he might not be selected for an entire year.
The chase for Mbappe’s signature has attracted significant interest from major European clubs, including Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Tottenham, as well as Real Madrid. The Spanish giants’ approach seems to have evolved, as last year they attempted to sign Mbappe before he opted to remain at PSG alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi, who has since departed for Inter Miami in the MLS.
Mbappe, PSG’s all-time leading scorer with a remarkable 212 goals in 260 appearances, remains the second-most expensive player in football history, second only to his former PSG teammate, Neymar.
The young striker’s journey at PSG began in August 2017 when he joined the club on a season-long loan from Monaco. The deal was made permanent the following year for an eye-watering €180 million, which is still surpassed only by Neymar’s €222 million transfer to PSG in 2017.
While the transfer saga unfolds, it remains to be seen whether PSG can persuade Mbappe to stay or if Al Hilal’s unprecedented bid will entice him away. The world of football watches with bated breath as one of the most significant transfer sagas in recent history plays out.
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