Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star forward Kylian Mbappe has labeled his club as divisive amid a contract dispute that has seen tensions rise between the player and the French Ligue 1 champions.
Mbappe recently declared that he would not be renewing his contract with PSG, which is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, thereby allowing him to leave for free in June 2024. This announcement has strained relations between the player and the club.
If Mbappe were to see out his contract without renewing, PSG would not be able to recoup any of the staggering €180 million ($197 million) they initially paid to bring him in. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has stated that they will not allow Mbappe to leave without receiving a transfer fee.
The prolific striker, who has been Ligue 1’s top scorer in the last five seasons, has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. In an interview with France Football magazine, Mbappe expressed his view on playing for PSG, stating, I think that playing for PSG doesn’t help much because it’s a divisive team, a divisive club. However, he did not provide further clarification on his statement.
PSG representatives were unavailable for comment when contacted by Reuters for their response to Mbappe’s remarks.
While PSG has dominated Ligue 1, winning nine of the last eleven championships, Mbappe’s frustration stems from the team’s performances in the UEFA Champions League. Despite significant investments in the squad, PSG has never clinched the prestigious trophy. This season, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich, failing to score in both legs. Mbappe, who was injured for the first leg, described the team as helpless in the second.
Mbappe pointed out his impact as the most decisive player during the group stage but admitted uncertainty about what PSG lacks to overcome what he referred to as a glass ceiling in European competitions. He emphasized that responsibility lies with those who make team decisions and shape the club.
PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently emphasized that the club cannot allow Mbappe, one of the world’s best players, to leave as a free agent next year without receiving a substantial transfer fee in return. Indeed, should Mbappe run down his contract, PSG would risk losing out on a transfer fee that could surpass the current record of €222 million paid by PSG to Barcelona for Neymar back in 2017. If Mbappe were to join Real Madrid as a free agent, he would also have the leverage to negotiate a considerable signing-on fee.
The saga surrounding Mbappe’s future continues to unfold, with Real Madrid waiting eagerly in the wings. PSG will be eager to secure an agreement with the talented forward to avoid losing him without receiving financial compensation. As negotiations continue, the footballing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-profile contract standoff.
In conclusion, the relationship between Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain has become strained due to the player’s refusal to renew his contract. Mbappe has described PSG as a divisive team, indicating his discontent. With his contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, PSG faces the possibility of losing one of the world’s best players without receiving a transfer fee. The situation remains uncertain, and all eyes are on whether the two parties can resolve their differences or if Mbappe will move on to pastures new.
