Kylian Mbappe is now under criticism from PSG supporters for not exercising a 12-month contract extension. The Frenchman recently disclosed that he will remain in Paris for the upcoming season and leave when his contract expires. His contract has a 2024 expiration date and if both parties agree, with an option for an additional year that is due on July 31, 2024.
Real Madrid and Mbappe have been heavily connected, and PSG does not want him to become a free agent. In 2021, Real Madrid made him an offer of 180 million euros, but PSG secured him onto a new contract.
But if you want to go to Madrid, do it: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner, who just left PSG to be a free agent as well, did not have a graceful goodbye as during his last Ligue 1 match, the crowd booed him. He later signed with MLS team Inter Miami. Spanish media said that Messi persuaded Mbappe to leave PSG and become part of either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Messi said, “I prefer that you go to Barca. But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.”
Mbappe has been viewed as Karim Benzema’s probable replacement in the Madrid system. Karim Benzema left the La Liga team for Saudi Arabia after the 2022–2023 season. The La Liga team has already found a short-term answer by confirming the loan signing of Spain attacker Joselu from Espanyol, who was just relegated.
With 16 goals, Joselu finished third in La Liga’s goal-scoring for the 2022–23 season. He was also called up to the Spain team and contributed to their success in the Nations League. In the semifinal matchup against Italy, he came up with a last-second winner. Additionally, he has previously played for Real Madrid B and once played for the senior group.
The France captain was asked about his future following criticism from the fans and he spoke about his clear agreement with the club. He said, “I’ve already answered the question. I said my objective was to continue with the club. Staying at Paris Saint-Germain is my only option, for the moment. The letter was sent before (the France squad met up). I didn’t think a letter could kill someone or that I offended anyone. All I did was send a letter. You can’t control people’s reactions, but it doesn’t bother me much.”
