Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Kylian Mbappe has reportedly informed the club that he will be leaving at the end of the season. Two sources familiar with the situation revealed to The Associated Press that the France international conveyed his decision to PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. However, Mbappe did not disclose which club he intends to join next. While PSG declined to comment, negotiations regarding the terms of his departure are believed to still be underway. An official statement is expected once the details have been finalized.
Mbappe, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, will become a free agent after spending seven successful years with PSG. Last year, he had already notified the club that he would not exercise the option to extend his contract beyond 2022. Mbappe was reportedly disappointed when the club paraded him with a jersey reading "2025" upon signing his previous contract, which only ran until 2024 with an option for an additional year. He was also frustrated by PSG's failure to sign top-class players as promised, apart from the arrival of Lionel Messi.
While Real Madrid has long been considered a likely destination for Mbappe, his departure from PSG is expected to trigger a fierce bidding war among several interested clubs. The 25-year-old forward, who joined PSG in 2017 from Monaco in a record-breaking transfer, dominates the headlines along with Neymar, who arrived from Barcelona for a world-record fee at the same time.
Mbappe's departure follows the exits of Lionel Messi and Neymar from PSG last year. The trio formed a formidable attacking partnership but failed to guide PSG past the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League during their time together. Despite winning five domestic league titles, Mbappe's desire for European success remains unfulfilled. PSG reached the final of the Champions League in 2020 but fell short against Bayern Munich.
Still, Mbappe has an opportunity to leave PSG on a high note by clinching European glory this season. He recently scored in PSG's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the round of 16, further adding to his impressive record of 243 goals in 290 appearances for the club. He has also provided 93 assists, placing him third in PSG's all-time list.
Mbappe's decision brings an end to a protracted saga that has overshadowed his final year in Paris. Last summer, there was speculation of a transfer standoff, with PSG considering a sale to avoid losing him for free in 2024. Mbappe was even left out of the squad for preseason matches and trained separately. However, the club eventually allowed him to return to the team.
Throughout his time at PSG, Mbappe had occasionally displayed signs of frustration, both on and off the field. Fans questioned his commitment to the club given his stated ambitions of winning multiple Champions League titles and the Ballon d'Or. PSG has already begun transitioning following the departures of Messi and Neymar, shifting focus towards younger players.
While Mbappe's departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void at PSG, the club has previously acted as a dominant force in French football and attracted star players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Messi. Real Madrid has long considered Mbappe as the ideal successor to Karim Benzema. As Mbappe prepares for a new challenge, PSG will likely have to search for a suitable replacement.