Kylian Mbappé's highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid is poised to shake up European football. Despite a pay cut from his €37m salary at PSG, Mbappe will become the highest-paid player in Real Madrid’s history.
The French forward is expected to make his move official after PSG's Champions League final, joining forces with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to form a formidable attacking trio that could dominate European football for years to come.
All necessary paperwork is reportedly completed, but Real Madrid is withholding any official announcement. Their strategy appears to be maintaining the current players' focus on securing their 15th European title in the Champions League final.
Adding substance to the speculation, Mbappé has already bought a house in Madrid for €18 million, just minutes from the Real Madrid training facility. This purchase strongly hints at his imminent transfer to Real Madrid.
Long rumored to be joining Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract, Mbappé’s interest in Real Madrid has been evident. PSG has compensated Mbappé with approximately €600 million in wages during his tenure.
A record-breaking offer of $332 million from Saudi club Al-Hilal for Mbappé was proposed in July last year, but Mbappé’s focus remained on Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s bid of $188 million in August 2021 came close to securing his services, a move that Mbappé was open to as he had expressed a wish to leave PSG at that time.
Emotional Departure and New Beginnings
Mbappé’s final season at PSG showcased his significant contribution to the team, with the forward scoring 44 goals and providing 10 assists in 48 games.
His performance in the Coupe de France final helped secure another title for PSG. Following the match, the PSG team displayed their respect by lifting Mbappé in celebration.
The conclusion of Mbappé’s time with PSG was marked by an emotional farewell party at Gigi, a high-end Parisian restaurant formerly known as La Maison Blanche or “The White House”.
While the event was a celebration of his time at PSG, attended by teammates and friends, PSG's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was notably absent.
Mbappé shared his feelings about leaving the club he had been with for many years. “What I have had here I will not find anywhere, but I will have other things and I know they will also be fantastic,” said Mbappé.
Mbappé's journey began with a record-breaking €180 million transfer from Monaco to PSG in August 2017. During his seven-year tenure, he won six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, two League Cups, and played a pivotal role in PSG’s run to the Champions League final in 2020.
As he prepares for departure, Mbappé reflected on his time at PSG with pride. “There are only good memories and now I can go out with my head held high, with a trophy as well, so I will only remember the positives.”.
PSG Manager on Mbappé Leaving PSG
Reflecting on Mbappé's impact, PSG's manager Luis Enrique said: “It's been a great privilege to be his coach. It was a very tough season because it was his last here. He always wanted to help his team, like tonight. He's unique. He's irreplaceable! Don't look for it! It's the team that will replace him, not just one player but five or six. We'll have to improve. We want to make history, and we'll eventually win the Champions League. When? I don't know. But yes, we'll win it.”
Enrique acknowledged the need to find new talent to fill the void left by Mbappé's departure. He emphasized the club's unwavering ambition to win the Champions League and assured that efforts would be made to adapt to the upcoming changes.
Mbappé’s Olympic Participation Denied
Despite the conclusion of the transfer saga, Real Madrid has made a controversial decision regarding Mbappé's participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
The club has denied him permission to play, prioritizing his health and integration into the team over the Olympic Games.
This decision has sparked debate among fans and experts, with some betting on the Olympic games as a potential showcase for Mbappé's talent that he will now miss.
