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As the summer 2023 transfer window gets busier with each passing day, the market has become a hive of negotiations, speculations, and high stakes deals, especially with a new contestant: the Saudi Pro League.
It is no secret that Kylian Mbappe has been linked to a move that would see him out of the Parc des Princes this summer, leaving most probably to Real Madrid. However, PSG and Mbappe just received the biggest offer in football history from none other than Saudi team Al Hilal: a deal worth $1 billion overall.
After securing one of the biggest contracts in Europe from PSG last year, Mbappe has seen his relationship with the club deteriorate this past year. His implicit remarks on the club and his growing desire to leave for Real Madrid this summer has created a certain disruption with the team, the board, and most importantly, the fans.
As things stand, Mbappe will not travel with PSG this summer to Japan to participate in their pre-season friendlies. This decision represents a certain fracture between the player and the club, because it expresses his desire to not play for the club anymore. Besides, Mbappe was granted more control over the club’s decision with his most recent contract, which has sparked some problems within the dressing room. In this context, Mbappe has no option but to leave.
However, this particular contract ends next year, and PSG needs to cash in now. If Mbappe decides to play his last year, he will inevitably leave on a free transfer next season, most likely to Real Madrid, a team considered as one of PSG’s competitor in the Champions League.
Considering all this never-ending saga between Mbappe, PSG, and Real Madrid, a new challenger has emerged in Al Hilal, a team participating in the first division of Saudi football. On Monday the 24th, Al Hilal submitted an offer of $300 million to PSG and $700 million in wages to Mbappe ($14 million per week). Looking at those numbers, it looks like proposal he can’t refuse.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has been extremely busy this transfer window, securing the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, N’golo Kante, and even Karim Benzema, last year’s Ballon d’Or. Even younger players are joining the league like Wolves’ Ruben Neves, or Celtic Glasgow’s Jota, who are obviously more interested by the financial advantages.
In last winter’s window, the SPL and Al-Nasr have signed Cristiano Ronaldo, undoubtedly one of the best players of all time. This showcases their ability to attract some of the best talents in the world, not because of the league’s competitivity, but by other means. In this context, should PSG and Mbappe accept this offer?
The same night this bid was sent, PSG accepted it, as they need to benefit from Mbappe’s sale. As for the player, he is stuck in a dilemma. His decision to move to Al Hilal would undoubtedly spark controversy, inviting significant criticism from those who argue that this transfer is solely motivated by financial gain. On the other hand, the player has seen his relationship with his club worsen, meaning he won’t play next season if he decides to stay.
Initially, the idea of Kylian Mbappe joining Al Hilal might appear inexplicable, given that it’s not perceived as a top-tier team where he is expected to play. However, the lure lies in the staggering opportunity to earn $700 million in just one year, owing to the league’s enormous potential for the upcoming season, intensifying the level of competition. Moreover, Mbappe could consider signing for a single year and then move to Real Madrid without any fee concerns, freeing himself from PSG.
By accepting his offer, Mbappe could be giving up his status of the best young player, paving the way for others like Erling Haaland or even Vinicius JR. Thereby, he could potentially be “wasting” a year of his career when he could have contended for a Ballon d’Or himself. With the departures of Messi, Ronaldo, and Benzema, football is witnessing the rise of new superstars, with Kylian Mbappe at the forefront. If he chooses to leave, his credibility may suffer, damaging his image as the future of football.
As the hours pass, the decision of whether Mbappe will stay or depart will be revealed in due time. While a move to Al Hilal seems more controversial, the world of football should not be overly surprised if it happens, as it looks like the smarter move. In this context, Mbappe could leave and regain his prominence the following year or stay to battle for football supremacy. Only time will unfold the final outcome.
