Mbappe Rules Out Signing For FC Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe has ruled out a sensational potential move to FC Barcelona, according to reports.

Just under a fortnight ago, the same publication alleged that Barca had made a move for the World Cup winner who was willing to hear them out, with the Catalans believing that a coup for Mbappe would be cheaper than the €300mn ($330mn) project that needs to be put together to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Now, however, L’Equipe say that Mbappe, who is a free agent come June 30 and can walk away from Paris Saint Germain for free, is no longer interested in possibly making the Camp Nou his next pit stop while also being heavily linked to their bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Simultaneously, Mundo Deportivo note how Barca have already cooled down buzz surrounding his name with Haaland remaining their primary objective in the current summer window if the La Liga giants can raise his €75mn ($82.5mn) release clause plus commission fees for the striker’s agent Mino Raiola and father Alfe-Inge Haaland.

The fact that Mbappe was even willing to hear Barca out has been taken as evidence that the Frenchman is still undecided on his future, which he communicated at the weekend.

“There are new elements, a fair amount of factors to take into account. Like I’ve said, it’s not an easy decision,” Mbappe began after his side’s 5-1 win over Lorient on Sunday.

“I’m trying to make the best one along with those close to me. I’m taking my time to make the best possible decision. If I had made my decision, I would’ve announced it. Is it possible to stay at PSG? Yes, of course,” he admitted.

Journalists such as Daniel Riolo at RMC Sport are adamant that Mbappe will indeed stay at the Parc des Princes one more year and announce his decision in May.

Separately, there have been claims that the Qatari-backed Ligue 1 rulers are willing to make Mbappe the highest-paid player in the world to don their shirt again for at least the next two terms, and will offer him a monstrous salary of €1mn ($1.1mn) per week in addition to a hefty signing-on fee.