MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Kylian Mbappe’s decision not to take up the option of a 12-month extension on his Paris Saint-Germain contract could spark a bidding war for the French superstar this summer.
PSG is adamant he will not be allowed to leave as a free agent when his current deal runs out at the end of next season, meaning he could be put up for sale during this transfer window if a resolution over his future is not agreed.
Real Madrid has coveted Mbappe for a number of years and in 2021 unsuccessfully launched a bid of $190 million to take him to the Bernabeu. The Spanish giant would appear to be the likeliest destination for the World Cup-winning forward — especially at a time when it needs to find a replacement for Karim Benzema, who has joined Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad.
But Mbappe has this week described reports claiming he wants to move to Madrid this summer as “lies.”
“I have already said that I will continue next season at PSG where I am very happy,” he tweeted.
PSG will be put in a difficult position if Mbappe sticks to his current stance that he will not leave this summer and also will not sign a new contract.
The Qatari-backed French club has already seen Lionel Messi walk away as a free agent, after the Argentine great agreed to join MLS team Inter Miami, and would likely miss out on one of the biggest transfer fees in the history of soccer if Mbappe leaves for nothing as well.
Madrid is unlikely to be the only major European club interested in Mbappe, but his price tag means only a select few could afford to fund the deal.
Here’s a look at other star players who could be on the move.
England’s all-time leading goal-scorer is entering the final year of his contract and continues to be linked with moves to Manchester United and Madrid.
Tottenham has resisted all previous attempts to lure its iconic striker away, but faces the risk of losing him for nothing if he refuses to extend his current deal.
Kane has never won a major trophy and turns 30 before the start of next season.
Spurs also know this summer may be the last chance to command a big fee for Kane, and reportedly value him at $123 million.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid’s reported interest cools in light of Mbappe’s potential availability.