Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has announced that he intends to join Real Madrid this summer.
The 25-year-old France captain informed PSG of his decision, as his contract is set to expire in June. While Mbappe has not yet signed a contract with Real, the deal is expected to be finalized after the clubs are no longer able to meet in this season’s Champions League.
Mbappe, who is currently PSG’s record goalscorer with 244 goals, expressed his desire to have his future resolved before March. He met with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on 13 February to communicate his decision to leave the club for Real Madrid.
Following reports of his departure, Mbappe was left out of the starting line-up for PSG’s match against Nantes, but came off the bench to score a penalty, aiding PSG in extending their lead in Ligue 1.
It is anticipated that Mbappe will sign a five-year deal with Real, earning 15m euros (£12.8m) per season, along with a 150m euro (£128m) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and retaining a portion of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already formulated plans for incorporating Mbappe into the team, with the potential exit of Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leading to Mbappe receiving the number 10 shirt.
As the transfer process progresses, PSG are 2-0 up against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, while Real leads RB Leipzig 1-0.
The move is expected to have a significant impact on the landscape of European football and the forthcoming transfer window.
