This Is War: Bitter Breakup Between Mbappé and PSG
L’Equipe provides an update on the contractual situation between Kylian Mbappé and PSG, describing it as somewhat of a war.
Kylian Mbappé is set to leave for Real Madrid as a free agent. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi is furious because, according to L’Equipe, Mbappé will leave without compensating the club financially. Despite this, Mbappé will receive a “loyalty” bonus of €80 million.
Initially, according to the newspaper, Mbappé had agreed to forgo this bonus in exchange for not extending his contract and being reintegrated into the team. However, his €80 million bonus due in October was not paid. “But in February, shortly after the captain of the French national team informed Al-Khelaïfi of his intention to leave Paris, the club paid him this bonus. The entourage of the PSG president justified this unexpected decision by saying that it was intended for Real Madrid to foot the bill, not Mbappé,” explains L’Equipe.
However, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has no intention of paying PSG. This has left Nasser al-Khelaïfi in a difficult position. Al-Khelaïfi reportedly became angry, and “one of the first consequences was Mbappé being sidelined as soon as his announcement was made internally, during the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Real Sociedad (2-0, February 14),” reports L’Equipe.
PSG Withholds Salary in Retaliation
Subsequently, according to L’Equipe, Mbappé was sidelined and played only a few matches. “This appears to be another partial but significant sidelining.” L’Equipe notes that PSG then “forgot” to pay Mbappé his salary for April and a bonus due in February, amounting to €80 million.
“Moreover, other sources claim that negotiations are ongoing to secure even more. But there is little actual negotiation. In recent days, the lawyers of both parties have been involved. PSG’s lawyer wants to formalize an agreement that reiterates Mbappé’s summer commitment, while Mbappé’s lawyer is likely to demand the payment of the salaries,” concludes L’Equipe.