Kylian Mbappe’s future has been a topic of constant discussion over the past several years. This summer has proven to be no different. In fact, the Frenchman looks closer to the Paris Saint-Germain exit door than he ever has before. And unsurprisingly, rumours are linking him with a move to Real Madrid once again.
It has emerged that Mbappe does not plan to extend his contract with PSG. His current deal runs until the summer of 2024.
Of course, that is a major problem for PSG and they would not want to lose a player of this magnitude on a free transfer. As a result, Mbappe has been told to either sign a new contract or leave the club this summer itself.
Mbappe leaving PSG is starting to look increasingly more likely though, especially after recent comments made by both parties. If that does happen, Real Madrid look like the most likely destination for the Frenchman but clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with him as well.
Mbappe slammed amid Real Madrid rumours
Former PSG sporting director, Leonardo, appears to believe that the time has come for Mbappe to leave. As reported by GOAL, he said in an interview with L’Equipe:
"“For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to go, no matter what.“Paris-Saint-Germain existed before Kylian Mbappe and it will exist after him. He’s been in Paris for six years and, over those six seasons, five different clubs have won the Champions League (Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022, Liverpool in 2019, Bayern Munich in 2020, Chelsea in 2021 and Manchester City in 2023), none of which had Mbappe in their ranks. That means it’s entirely possible to win this competition without him.”"
Leonardo further went on to add:
"“With his behavior over the last two years, Mbappe is showing that he’s not yet a player capable of really guiding a team. He’s a great player, not a leader. He’s a great goalscorer, not a creative one. It’s hard to build a team around him.”"
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Mbappe for years and this might be the perfect opportunity to bring him to the Spanish capital. They are need of a world-class forward to play up top following the exit of Karim Benzema. And they also need someone to replace the Frenchman as the face of the club.
Mbappe is someone capable of taking up both roles. Of course, pulling off a deal of this magnitude would be extremely difficult for any club. So we can only wait and see how things play out over the coming weeks.