The massive exodus started by Lionel Messi could have Kylian Mbappé following the Argentine's footsteps, as the 2022 FIFA World Cup top scorer has voiced his intention not to extend his current deal with Les Parisiens, prompting a swift reaction that could see him depart the club in coming weeks.
A report by L'Equipe states that Mbappé, who is still under contract until 2024 with the Ligue 1 winners, has decided not to trigger the clause that would extend his deal with PSG until 2025, with the intention to leave the team for free in 2024.
The player, as per the French media outlet, decided not to trigger this clause after being disappointed by the club's decisions and how things took place in the 2022-23 campaign, where they were once again eliminated in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League and ended winning the Ligue 1 title as a consolation.
Mbappé had until June 30 to reveal his decision to the club, but he chose to write a letter to them earlier today, which sparked the fury of PSG's owners, who have already shared their stance on this issue.
An undiscloses member of PSG's front office told L'Equipe that the club is "tired" of Mbappé's antics, and that this latest letter has been taken as "an insult" by Nasser Al-Khelaifi and his staff. Hence, the club will do everything in its power to transfer the player out of the team before the end of the summer transfer window.
The source also told L'Equipe that "Mbappé will not leave the team as a free agent under any circumstance," meaning they plan to earn some money out of such a move.
Mbappé's words were even more insulting to PSG as his announcement came hours after Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez admitted that Mbappé would "eventually join the team, only not now." Los Blancos are still huge fans of the Frenchman, but after being snubbed last year, reports hinted that only a move as a free agent would see Mbappé joining Los Merengues. Now, it seems that the tables have turned and that there could be some immediate negotiations to take place, especially with Real Madrid desperate to sign Karim Benzema's replacement.
Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid or to any other team could see the footballer leaving PSG by an amount of over $185M, according to recent predictions by football experts. Will this be the summer where Mbappé and Real Madrid cross paths? We will have to wait and see.
