In a surprising turn of events, French forward Kylian Mbappe appears to have snubbed a lucrative offer from Al Hilal. The Saudi Arabian club reportedly made a staggering one-year contract proposal with a salary of $775 million USD, but it seems Mbappe has other plans.
According to Relevo, a Spanish-based newspaper headquartered in Madrid, Mbappe has no intention of joining Al Hilal. Instead, the 24-year-old striker is determined to see out the final year of his contract with PSG before making a free transfer move to Real Madrid.
Just recently, on July 24th, Al Hilal made a record-breaking bid of $330 million USD to secure Mbappe’s services. Along with the hefty transfer fee, they were ready to offer the World Cup 2022 Golden Boot winner a mind-boggling $775 million USD salary and the opportunity to join Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer of 2024. The current world transfer record belongs to PSG’s acquisition of Neymar from Barcelona in 2017, which cost them $263 million USD.
Following the news of Al Hilal’s offer, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo jokingly tweeted, “Al Hilal, you can buy me. I look like Mbappe.” The Saudi club responded playfully, “Welcome to us as a fan, Giannis.” Mbappe later joined in on the banter, sharing Giannis’ tweet with a series of laughing emojis.
With only one year left on his contract with PSG, Mbappe’s refusal to extend until 2025 has caused a stir. If not sold this summer, PSG risks losing their French captain as a free agent from July 2024.
After failing to receive an explanation from Mbappe, PSG decided to put him on the transfer list on July 22nd. They also exerted pressure by excluding him from the squad for the Japan preseason tour. In response, it is believed that Mbappe might accept a bench role for the entire 2023-2024 season.
Al Hilal has been among the most ambitious clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer. As the third-placed team in the Saudi Pro League last season, they have already made significant signings, including center-back Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolves, and midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio, all amounting to $160 million USD. Despite their financial strength, their offer of a $400 million USD annual salary to Lionel Messi was turned down.
In addition to Al Hilal, Sky Sport reports that five other clubs, namely Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, have also expressed interest in signing Mbappe.
At present, Mbappe holds the record for scoring 212 goals in 260 matches for PSG. With the French national team, the 24-year-old forward ranks fifth on the list of all-time goal scorers with 40 goals, trailing leader Olivier Giroud by 14 goals. He boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, having won six Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, two French League Cups, two French Super Cups, the 2018 World Cup, and the 2021 Nations League.
