Sign A New Deal This Summer, Or Leave

Topline

Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward, will have to ink a new contract by this summer if he intends to stay with the French club, according to multiple outlets, citing a Wednesday statement made by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, following weeks of drama surrounding the future of one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts during the French L1 football match … [+] between Stade Brestois and Paris Saint-Germain at Francis-Le Ble Stadium in Brest on August 20, 2021. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)

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Key Facts

The ultimatum provided by PSG’s president further made clear the club’s intentions to not allow their marquee player to leave on a free transfer next year when his contract expires—something that could lead to PSG missing out on a massive payout.

PSG has invested more than $500 million in Mbappé through wages, transfer fees and bonuses, making his decision a top priority for PSG as it looks to capitalize on the young superstar’s value.

Mbappé, 24, the world’s third highest-paid athlete, confirmed reports last month that he planned to not sign a contract extension before his existing contract expires at the end of next season.

Crucial Quote

“He said he would never leave for free,” Al-Khelaifi told reporters Wednesday. “If he changes his mind today, it’s not my fault. We don’t want to lose the best player in the world for free, that’s very clear.”

Key Background

Mbappé’s tenure at PSG has been one surrounded by speculation from the media and great attention from soccer’s most elite teams. Last summer, the Frenchman was pursued by Real Madrid, one of Spain’s top clubs and the world’s most valuable soccer team, according to Forbes’ estimates. The Spanish side reportedly offered Mbappé a deal that included a nearly $140 million signing bonus and a net salary of more than $26 million per season—a move made null and void by PSG, which won the forward back with a two-year contract. Last month, Mbappé said at a press conference that PSG was his “only option for now,” adding that his “goal was to carry on at the club.”

Forbes’ Valuation

Mbappé made an estimated $120 million in on- and off-field deals over a period of a year ending May 1, 2023. He ranked No. 3 on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest paid athletes, just behind soccer legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tangent

If PSG were to lose Mbappé this summer, it would mark the departure of their second star player in a matter of months—Messi recently turned down a club option for a third year in favor of a deal with American Major League Soccer club Inter Miami worth up to $150 million.