According to recent reports by Fabrizio Romano, the ongoing saga of Kylian Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid is still very much alive.
The Italian journalist has divulged a crucial detail in this unfolding narrative: the French sensation has willingly foregone his annual loyalty bonus from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to facilitate his potential departure.
By relinquishing this substantial $86 million loyalty bonus, Mbappe is strategically positioning himself for a smoother exit in the upcoming summer, when his current contract with PSG is set to expire, potentially allowing him to leave the club as a free agent.
Fans have also speculated online that PSG might have put forward this one condition for him to move away from the club for free.
🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: “Kylian Mbappé has agreed not to receive his annual loyalty bonus to play again with PSG.
From what I hear, I think his destination next summer will be Real Madrid, whether via a clause or free.” pic.twitter.com/76xJSW8jVO
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 19, 2023
Romano has further reinforced this notion, expressing his belief that Mbappe’s ultimate destination next summer is likely to be Real Madrid, whether it materializes through a contractual clause or as a free transfer.
The backdrop to this high-stakes drama involves a protracted contractual standoff between Mbappe and PSG throughout the preceding summer.
The impasse escalated to a point where Mbappe’s refusal to extend his contract led PSG to place him on the transfer market and exclude him from their pre-season tour of Japan. However, despite the heightened tensions, no transfer materialized during the summer window.
Mbappe bagged a brace but PSG lost 3-2 🤯🇫🇷👀 pic.twitter.com/hlMqXyUHJc
— LiveScore (@livescore) September 15, 2023
In a surprising turn of events a few months later, the parties involved appear to have reconciled, with Mbappe being reinstated into the PSG squad. In a parallel development, Neymar Jr. bid farewell to PSG with a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Initial reports had suggested that PSG would make renewed efforts to entice Mbappe into signing a substantial contract extension. However, the recent developments strongly suggest that Mbappe has reverted to his prior stance of pursuing his dream move to Real Madrid.
PSG want Rodrygo from Real Madrid to replace Kylian Mbappe
Speculation is already swirling regarding the potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe at PSG, and one name that’s gaining traction is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
As per Todofichajes, PSG’s owners are resolute in not yielding to the ambitions of Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez. They are keen on securing a prominent star from Real Madrid’s attacking arsenal, with Rodrygo emerging as a prime candidate.
Rodrygo, the Brazilian attacker primarily stationed on the right wing, has the versatility to switch to the left wing within Luis Enrique’s tactical framework. Interestingly, PSG views him as a more attainable target than Vinícius Jr., another Real Madrid standout.
Rodrygo’s rise over the years. 📈🎮 pic.twitter.com/3payoOsswl
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 10, 2023
Rodrygo is presently valued at approximately $107 million in the market, and his release clause surpasses the staggering billion-dollar mark. Nevertheless, PSG is brimming with confidence that they can strike a deal exceeding $100 million if they can successfully convince the Brazilian to make the move to Paris.
As for Rodrygo’s contractual situation, his current deal runs until 2025. Since his arrival at Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, the 22-year-old Brazilian has made an impact, amassing an impressive record of 38 goals and 32 assists in 170 appearances for the club.