Kylian Mbappe doesn’t want to leave PSG yet, but should he? - The Frenchman’s contract saga explained

Kylian Mbappe has never discussed extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain beyond next year, the France superstar told AFP in a statement on Tuesday, the day after he sent a letter to the club confirming he would not take up an option to remain at the French champions until 2025.

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris St Germain he will not take up the option of a one-year extension in his contract when it expires next June, L’Equipe reported.

In a statement to AFP, Mbappe’s representatives said that the club was informed in July 2022 of his decision not to activate an option to extend his contract and the only aim of the letter sent was to confirm the previous decision.

This means that Mbappe would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club from January if he wants to remain in PSG for one more year.

PSG have already lost Lionel Messi on a free transfer after he left at the end of his two-year contract to join MLS club Inter Miami owned by David Beckham. Sergio Ramos, had also announced his departure from the French club recently.

How did PSG land Mbappe

PSG signed Mbappe from AS Monaco in 2017 for a reported 180 million euros, making him the world’s second-most expensive signing after Neymar, who joined them from Barcelona for 222 million euros.

He has managed 212 goals in 260 appearances for PSG. In his 5 years at the club, Mbappe became PSG’s all-time top scorer helping the club to five titles in his six seasons.

Why is there talk of him leaving?

Mbappe has been reported to be eyeing a move away from PSG for the last couple of years. Despite the league successes, PSG have not managed to challenge for a UCL title on a regular basis.

Real Madrid were quite interested in his services and had reportedly bid 200 million euros in a see-saw transfer window last summer. Mbappe though decided to sign a new two year contract with PSG.

Real Madrid have already sealed a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and will be looking to sign a forward after the departure of their star player Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi pro league.

Who else has a shot at signing Mbappe?

Manchester United, who reports suggest are set to be taken over by Qatari Sheikh Jassim are another contender for Mbappe’s signing. The World Cup winner could be the perfect statement signing for the new regime.

Other possible destinations for Mbappe include Chelsea that have already been on a signing spree ever since the Todd Boehly take-over.

The City Football Group is another cash-rich ownership that could move for the French superstar to add to their treble-winning squad.