France striker will not travel to Japan as he seeks a move to Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is in the final year of his contract at PSG Credit: REUTERS
Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season squad to tour Asia as the uncertainty over the France striker’s future takes another twist.
PSG are understood to only want players on their tour of Japan and South Korea who are fully committed to the club and have been keen to show that no player is more important than the club.
Mbappe has entered the final 12 months of his deal at PSG and sources at the French club fear he is determined to run down his contract with a view to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.
PSG are unwilling to lose Mbappe for nothing and are prepared to sell him this summer to avert that scenario but, despite fielding offers for the player, the 24-year-old has shown little appetite to leave now with his sights set on Real.
It is thought Real would prefer to sign him as as free agent in 12 months’ time rather than pay a substantial fee now. Mbappe would stand to earn a huge signing on fee.
All of which has left to a bitter stand-off between PSG and Mbappe amid reports that the French champions feel let down by the player’s behaviour.
Mbappe is keen on a move to Real Madrid, who are prepared to wait until next summer Credit: EPA
PSG wanted clarity from Mbappe on the situation when training resumed this month for pre-season.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has asked Mbappe to sign a new deal or leave this summer. Mbappe has an option in his current deal to extend for another year but has shown little interest in doing so.
Most of England’s leading clubs would all love to sign Mbappe but there is a clear view that the Frenchman only wants Real.
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, made reference to football’s worst kept secret last month when he ruled out any move for Mbappe and said: “You know where he wants to go.”
PSG are due to play matches against Al Nassr and Cerezo Osaka in Osaka next week before playing Inter Milan in Tokyo on Aug 1. They then fly to South Korea to take on Jeonbuk Hyundai two days later.
