The Chaos of Kylian Mbappe’s Summer
Image: Getty Images
In the summer of 2023, Kylian Mbappe's story took another twist. In 2022, he had a dramatic change of heart about joining Real Madrid. This year, his story included leaked letters, record-breaking transfer fees, and mysterious Instagram posts. This is the tale of Mbappe's tumultuous summer.
In most summers, Lionel Messi and Neymar would be the big headlines, but their departures were expected. Mbappe's situation, on the other hand, has been more uncertain.
In the summer of 2022, it was expected that he would leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent if he didn't extend his contract. However, he surprised everyone by extending it for two more years, including an option for a third year, but only he could activate it.
On June 12, 2023, Mbappe, after watching the French Open final, shocked PSG by telling them he wouldn't take up the contract extension. He wanted to play for the club in the 2023-24 season and then leave for free. PSG was upset about this, as they believed he had assured them he wouldn't leave for free.
“We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible.”
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said it was impossible to let the world's best player leave for free. PSG responded with their letter accusing Mbappe of causing harm to the club by leaking his original letter and publicly stating his intention to leave for free. They gave him a deadline to trigger his contract extension by July 31st or be sold.
There was no immediate response from Mbappe, but PSG announced he wouldn't be part of the first-team squad for their tour of Japan and South Korea. Instead, he trained with a group of undesired players and youth team members known as "The Loft."
In July, several clubs were rumored to be interested in him, but the only significant offer came from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, offering €300 million. However, Mbappe refused to meet with Saudi officials.
Image: Reuters
In August, there were signs of optimism as PSG's new head coach, Luis Enrique, expressed hope for a truce. The head of the club's Ultras also expressed the same hope. Mbappe was seen in the stands for PSG's opening game of the season and sent a welcome message to the club's new signing, Usman Dembele, who is also his best friend.
Later, it was announced that Mbappe had been reinstated into the first-team training squad following positive discussions. Speculation suggested Dembele's arrival and Neymar's departure might have played a role. Mbappe and Neymar's relationship had always been up and down.
While Mbappe is still linked with Real Madrid, it remains unclear whether a transfer will happen, especially given the absence of release clauses in French football contracts and the acrimony surrounding this situation.