Mbappe deal a ‘fundamental priority’ for PSG, says Pochettino

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 14:36 BST
• 5 min read

Kylian Mbappe’s future has been described as a “fundamental priority” for Paris Saint-Germain by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Mbappe is out of contract in 2022, which means that he could depart on a free transfer at that point. PSG also have the opportunity to sell him before then or to get him to sign a new deal.

READ MORE: What does Neymar’s contract extension mean for Mbappe at PSG?

Real Madrid are waiting in the wings, with the World Cup winner’s boyhood dream to one day play for the Bernabeu side.

PSG, however, are eager for him to follow superstar team-mate in prolonging his adventure in the French capital.

“PSG have an ambitious project and to retain a player like Kylian Mbappe is a fundamental priority for us,” head coach Mauricio Pochettino said in his Saturday press conference.

Pochettino: Mbappe injured me!

There has been fresh optimism around Mbappe’s future at PSG in recent days. This has been fuelled by the manner in which he celebrated scoring his second in the Coupe de France semi-final against Montpellier in midweek.

 “After his second goal, Mbappe ran into the arms of Pochettino,” said former PSG star Jerome Rothen when questioned about the incident for RMC. “That’s the first time he’s done that since he joined PSG.

“There are signs that are not being hidden.”

Pochettino, meanwhile, revealed that Mbappe’s celebration left him needing medical treatment.

“Thanks to his celebration, I’ve got a bad back!” he smiled. “I’ve had to receive treatment for the last couple of days from the physios. It’s true, it’s true!”

Mbappe has been on fire since Pochettino arrived at PSG, playing 26 games under the Argentine and returning 25 goals plus a further three assists.