Sports
Mbappe to be sold after latest ultimatum
![Mbappe to be sold after latest ultimatum](https://topnaija.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mbappe-1536x1025.jpeg.webp)
Star forward Kylian Mbappe has sent a formal letter to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) indicating that he will not exercise the option to extend his contract, signaling his potential departure from the club during this summer’s transfer window.
The 24-year-old’s decision has caught PSG off guard as they had been actively engaged in discussions to secure his long-term future with the team.
According to reports from L’Equipe, Mbappe’s letter, submitted on Monday afternoon, firmly communicated his refusal to activate the contract option, which would have extended his stay at PSG until 2025.
The French champions were reportedly optimistic about the ongoing negotiations for a new deal, making this latest development all the more surprising.
Mbappe’s decision could potentially mark the end of his remarkable six-year tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. With his current contract set to expire in June 2024, the young striker would become a free agent next summer if no agreement is reached.
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shed light on the situation, stating that Mbappe has made his intentions clear to PSG. Romano tweeted,
“Kylian Mbappe has informed PSG of his decision: he’ll NOT trigger the option to extend his current contract until 2025, it means that the deal would expire next June 2024 – as L’Équipe called.”
He also highlighted PSG’s stance, emphasizing that the club does not plan to let Mbappe leave on a free transfer, suggesting that they may consider selling him if a new contract is not agreed upon.
The news comes just a day after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted that Mbappe could potentially join the Spanish giants in the 2024 summer transfer window.
When approached on the matter, Perez responded, “Yes, but not this year,” implying that Real Madrid is eyeing a move for the French superstar in the future.
Last year, Perez had previously expressed disappointment after Mbappe rejected a potential transfer to Real Madrid. He mentioned that no pre-contract or agreement had been signed due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the situation.
Perez attributed the change of heart to political and economic pressure faced by Mbappe, with even the French president, Emmanuel Macron, reportedly intervening to persuade him to stay at PSG.
Despite the turn of events, Perez expressed respect for Mbappe and his decision, acknowledging that the player’s mother had always wanted him to join Real Madrid. However, he recognized that circumstances had altered and emphasized the importance of respecting the desires of the player and his family.
Mbappe’s future now hangs in the balance, and his decision not to extend his contract has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
As the situation unfolds, both Paris Saint-Germain and potential suitors will be closely monitoring developments, aware of the immense talent and market value possessed by one of the world’s most exciting young players.