PSG Should Sell Mbappé, Just Not to Real Madrid
Real Madrid are ready to spend big for Mbappé, but Paris Saint-Germain should entertain other offers first.
The Letter
The Kylian Mbappé experience at Paris Saint-Germain appears to be in its final act as the young Frenchman has reportedly informed the club that he does not intend to opt into the third year of his current contract, meaning he could leave for free after next season.
Mbappé contends that PSG has known about his intentions—to leave after the 2023-24 season—since July 15, 2022, just two months after signing his new deal, and that the letter was sent to confirm what was already known.
Where does this all leave PSG? Well, they have no obligation to sell Mbappé this summer to anyone for any transfer fee. They can roll the dice and try to build a squad around Mbappé and either win the UEFA Champions League or get close enough to convince the 24-year-old superstar to remain in the French capital. Or, PSG can sell Mbappé to Real Madrid now for upward of €200 million and use those funds to build a more balanced squad. It’s a decision that will change the trajectory of the club.
PSG’s stance is clear. They want Mbappé to extend his contract, or they will listen to offers this summer. Mbappé’s stance is clear. He will not extend. So, it feels like we’re headed toward a Mbappé exit, but is Real Madrid the only team that can make a move for the FIFA World Cup winner?
Anyone but Real Madrid
There’s no question that Madrid makes the most sense. They have the finances to pull off the deal, and Mbappé has always had eyes for Los Blancos. That said, I don’t know how selling arguably the best player in world football to a European rival to create a super team is a good idea. Not to mention the bad blood that exists between the two clubs.
Instead, I would let Mbappé know he can leave this summer to any team he wants except for Madrid, even if it means accepting a little less of a transfer fee. Mbappé clearly wants out, and I sincerely doubt he wants to “waste” another season in Paris during a rebuilding season with a first-year manager. Would he entertain other clubs besides Real Madrid if it means a swift exit? Let’s look at some of the potential destinations.
Manchester United makes a lot of sense to me. They’ve been a bit aimless in recent seasons, but new Qatari ownership would provide the finances and ambition to pull the deal off. It would allow him to revive one of the historically great clubs and return them to greatness. What I like most about Mbappé going to the Red Devils is the instant rivalry with Erling Haaland at Manchester City. Football fans would be treated to at least two matches every season between two of the best players in the world.
Arsenal has to be a desirable destination for Mbappé. Mikel Arteta has turned things around in North London, and they nearly beat City to the Premier League title this season. A player like Mbappé could get them across the finish line first next season, and they finally have Champions League football to offer after several years out of the tournament. Perhaps the biggest selling point could be Willian Saliba, who just signed a new deal with the Gunners. Mbappé and Saliba grew up in Bondy, France, and maintain a close relationship. Could Mbappé choose the Emirates and be the next Thierry Henry?
Liverpool could be a potential destination for Mbappé despite not having Champions League football. Jürgen Klopp is one of the best managers in the sport, and we know previously that Mbappé has flirted with the idea of playing for the Reds. The club is in a bit of a rebuild, so that may be of concern for Mbappé, but given the club’s history and popularity, they should be able to build a solid squad around him quickly.
Any time a big name is available, you can’t count out Chelsea. I feel it’s improbable, but you can’t deny the talent in the squad. Fellow Frenchman, Christopher Nkunku, will be with the Blues next season, and former PSG defender Thiago Silva is there as well. There’s no question the ambition is there, but owner Todd Boehly has proven to be just as clueless as QSI when it comes to building a balanced squad.
Finally, my dark horse would be Newcastle. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund calling the shots on Tyneside, they can match any transfer fee that PSG would require for Mbappé. So, money isn’t an issue, and neither is Champions League football, with the club finishing fourth in the Premier League last season. Since PIF came in, the club has been incredibly smart with their signings. They haven’t splashed the cash yet, but when a player like Mbappé becomes available, that trend could be reversed.
Of course, for Mbappé to go to any of these clubs, he must agree to personal terms. No team will shell out millions without Mbappé signing a multi-year deal. Hopefully, the threat of playing out another season in Paris with tensions high between the player and club is enough to get Mbappé to consider other options besides Madrid.