Real Madrid has reportedly labeled French footballer Kylian Mbappe a 'prisoner of money' due to his demand for a €240 million-per-year contract in order to leave PSG during this summer transfer window.
The talented forward, who is currently earning a staggering £893,000 per week at PSG, has just one year left on his contract with the French club and recently expressed his desire to depart from Paris in 2024.
This means that starting from January 1, 2024, Mbappe will be free to negotiate personal terms with other clubs ahead of a potential free transfer during the summer of 2024.
During an interview with AFP in June, Mbappe stated:
“I have NEVER discussed any contract renewal with PSG. The board has been informed since July 15th, 2022 of my decision not to extend beyond 2024, and the letter sent was only meant to confirm what I already told them.”
While Real Madrid has long been considered the most likely destination for the Frenchman and came close to signing him last year, it has been revealed that Mbappe is demanding an astounding €240 million-per-year contract from any club that wishes to sign him this summer.
Although the forward has also been linked with Liverpool, it seems unlikely that the Reds will be willing to meet Mbappe's salary expectations.
With Karim Benzema's departure for Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid had hoped to secure the signing of Mbappe during this summer transfer window.
According to Marca, following Mbappe's contract demand, Real Madrid will instead focus on making a bid to secure his signature on a free transfer next year. As they prepare their offer, Real Madrid's management believes that Mbappe will need to make concessions if he truly wants to leave PSG.
The publication also reports that the Spanish giants' executives view Mbappe as a "prisoner of money" who must be willing to accept a reduction in salary in order to facilitate the move.
Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is said to be a keen admirer of Tottenham star Harry Kane, but the club is expected to wait for Mbappe to become available in 2024.