Mbappe OPENS TALKS with Al-Hilal over record transfer - Fabrizio Romano
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 26 Jul 2023 21:16 BST
- 3 min read
Kylian Mbappe has begun flirting with Al-Hilal over a possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League club, with PSG having given the green light for talks.
The Ligue 1 side have effectively put the 24-year-old up for sale following his refusal to sign a one-year contract extension, thereby opening up the threat of the superstar departing on a free transfer.
PSG believe that Real Madrid have an agreement in place with Mbappe that will see the France striker move next summer, but the Parc des Princes side are trying to engineer an immediate move.
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The big-spending Saudi Pro League has emerged as the most viable alternative, with Al-Hilal ready to break the world transfer record by spending €300m on a transfer fee and offering the player an unprecedented salary.
AS reports that Mbappe’s entourage have had their heads turned away from Real Madrid by these figures, with the striker now “flirting” with Al-Hilal, according to the source.
Talks between Mbappe and the Saudi Pro League side have begun.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that talks have begun, with Saudi officials travelling to Paris. Romano adds though that PSG sources feel that Mbappe still has a deal already agreed with Madrid.
MORE: Superstar claims he'll UNRETIRE to follow Mbappe to Saudi Arabia
Al-Hilal could miss out on Mbappe
There are two potential stumbling blocks in the transfer negotiations, the Spanish source indicates.
Firstly, Mbappe only wants a one-year contract with Al-Hilal, whereas the club wish to offer him a two-season deal. In this way, the door would still be open for the player to move to Real Madrid next summer.
Secondly, it is stated that Al-Hilal are willing to commit €700m in total towards signing Mbappe, combining his transfer fee and his wages. PSG have reportedly been pushing for a €300m deal, with the rest of that money heading to the player.
AS reports that Mbappe’s people want him to receive a far greater share of that sum. It is stated that they want him to get “as close to €500m as possible”, which would see PSG receive only €200m.
It is unknown how Real Madrid, who say they are unwilling to enter talks with PSG over Mbappe, feel about the Al-Hilal negotiations.
