Killian Mbape sensationally rejected the possibility of joining Real Madrid and will instead sign a new three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain after months of speculation about his future.
The French striker called Florentino Perez on Saturday to announce his decision not to join La Liga, although he had positive talks with the Spanish champions only last week. Mbape is believed to have wanted to explain to the Real president why he chose to stay at his home club before appearing in the media.
Of course, the 23-year-old footballer – whose contract at Parc des Princes expires at the end of the season – has agreed on a lucrative extension until 2025, with negotiations on whether this will include an option for one or two years of extension. PSG is expected to announce the agreement in the coming hours. Mbape’s mother, Faiza, said on Friday that her son had received almost identical offers from the two clubs.
Mbape said last week that his decision would be announced “long before” he joins France for the League of Nations matches in June. “I will make my decision very quickly; it’s almost over, “he said. “My choice is almost made.”
Mbape joined PSG Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth up to 180 million euros and established himself as one of the best players in the world. PSG turned down several offers from Madrid for him last summer, the latest worth 200 million euros on the day of the deadline, and tried to persuade him to continue with the club. Mbape scored for PSG in both games in their defeat in the Champions League in Madrid this season.
PSG sporting director Leonardo admitted last August that Mbape wanted to leave, but said Madrid’s initial offers did not match their assessment and that they did not want to do business in the last week out of the window. But that latest setback comes as a serious blow to Carlo Ancelotti’s team as it prepares to face Liverpool in the Champions League final next week in Mbape’s hometown.
Madrid secured a remarkable free transfer by signing a deal to attract defender Antonio Rüdiger when his contract with Chelsea expired, and are close to extending the deal of Luka Modric. They confirmed that Isco was leaving.
PSG have Paul Pogba on their list of potential additions and have been negotiating the possible relocation of the midfielder, who is leaving Manchester United. But Juventus, where the French national team played from 2012-16, is ahead in the race for his landing. The Italian club has offered a three-year contract with a net salary of about 8 million euros plus bonuses.
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