Kylian Mbappe, the talented French football star, has informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that he will not be extending his contract beyond 2024.
The 24-year-old striker's current deal with the French club expires at the end of the upcoming season, with an option for another year. However, Mbappe has decided not to exercise that option, potentially leading to his departure from PSG next year as a free agent. This situation may prompt PSG to consider selling him during the current transfer window to avoid losing him without any financial compensation in the future. Mbappe is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and his departure would be a significant loss for the French champions.
This news comes shortly after Lionel Messi's announcement of leaving PSG for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Mbappe's decision not to renew his contract was conveyed through a letter to the club and was first revealed by the French sports daily L'Equipe. PSG had set a deadline of July 31, 2023, for Mbappe to make his decision.
If Mbappe indeed chooses not to activate the extra year in his contract, he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of France starting from January.
This development comes just over a year after Mbappe rejected a move to Real Madrid and instead signed an unexpected contract extension with PSG, committing his future to the Parc des Princes.
Real Madrid, who have already secured a deal for the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, might intensify their pursuit of Mbappe following Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Mbappe, considered one of the most promising talents in the sport, has won five Ligue 1 titles with PSG but has yet to secure the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.
PSG acquired Mbappe from AS Monaco in 2017 in a deal reported to be around 180 million euros, making him the second-most expensive signing in history after Neymar, who joined PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros.
During his time at PSG, Mbappe became the club's all-time leading scorer, netting 41 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions and playing a crucial role in securing PSG's record 11th French title.