Real Madrid transfer news: Kylian Mbappe may not sign new PSG contract amid future speculation

PSG sporting director Leonardo has chosen to remain coy over the future of the club's star striker

Callum Rice-Coates
Wednesday 10 July 2019 11:43 EDT
Comments
Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid following £150million transfer from Chelsea

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Real Madrid have been given a boost in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe after Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo refused to confirm whether the striker will remain at the club.

The 20-year-old, who has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in world football since his £165.7m move from Monaco to PSG in 2017, is under contract at the Parc des Princes until 2022.

His meteoric rise to the top has inevitably attracted the attention of Real Madrid, with president Florentino Perez reportedly keen to secure his signature before the close of the transfer window.

Leonardo, in his most recent interview, suggested Mbappe may not sign a new contract at PSG, which could open the door for a move to Los Blancos.

“I never make promises,” he told Le Parisien. “For two reasons: the first is that I am not the person who does everything at this club; the second, I do not want to pluck promises out of thin air, without being certain I can fulfil them.

“The only thing that interests me is stuff that is concrete, that is today.”

Mbappe finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 33 goals in just 29 appearances.

PSG are understandably determined to keep hold of their star player, but much depends on whether or not he is willing to sign a new contract.

Kyian Mbappe has raised the possibility of leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid
Kyian Mbappe has raised the possibility of leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid (Reuters)

Mbappe hinted in May that he may look to leave the French champions, talking of a potential “new project”.

“It’s a very important moment for me, I come to a turning point in my career,” he said. “I have discovered a lot here, and I feel it is maybe the moment to have more responsibility.

“I hope that can perhaps be at Paris Saint-Germain, that would be a great pleasure. Or maybe elsewhere with a new project.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in