The Kylian Mbappé (23) transfer affair is taking on ever more abstruse proportions. After all, the file is to be closed on Sunday
So it is to be 22 May 2022, the end point of the Kylian Mbappé transfer saga that has now lasted almost three years – with a framework that comes close to the season finale of a series that has been running just as long. According to a report in L’Equipe, the PSG striker will announce live on French TV this Sunday – the day after PSG’s final game of the season against Metz – whether he will extend his expiring contract in Paris or move to Real Madrid.
For a long time, the grand finale seemed clearly mapped out, the transfer to the Royals just a formality. However, after slight doubts had been cast on this scenario in recent months, ESPN reported earlier this week that PSG had given up in the poker for the 23-year-old. But that was still not the final twist.
“Pessimism, nervousness and confusion” at Real
Because according to coinciding media reports from France and Spain, Real Madrid are suddenly unsure whether Mbappé will choose to move to the Spanish capital. Among others, the well-informed “Marca” writes that the certainty of victory has given way to a certain scepticism, ESPN even reports “pessimism, nervousness and confusion” in the camp of the Madrilenians.
Mbappé’s behaviour in the last two weeks is no longer understood, they say. Real apparently assumed that a decision would only be announced after the Champions League final next week. Mbappé will now pre-empt that.
However, uncertainty over the impending decision is said to prevail mainly at PSG as well. Speculation that the French champions might have made a late, improved offer was put to rest by Mbappé’s mother Fayza Lamari on Friday.
In an interview with Arabic-language portal Kora Plus, she said: “There will be no more meetings with the two clubs, that’s over. We have reached an agreement with both Paris St Germain and Real Madrid. Now Kylian has to decide.” He added that the two offers were “almost identical” in this regard, with Mbappé reportedly in control of his image rights at Real.
Clarity prevails at least with Di Maria
This, in turn, contradicts earlier reports that PSG had made a higher offer than Real. But media confusion in the Mbappé case has not only been on the agenda since yesterday – and seems to be part of a deliberate production that is now heading for its climax.
At least one PSG personnel matter has been clear since Friday: the expiring contract with Angel di Maria (34) will not be extended. After seven years in Paris, the Argentine will take on a new challenge. According to media reports, this challenge could be Juventus Torino.