Kylian Mbappé set to join Real Madrid from PSG this summer – sources،
Kylian Mbappé has decided to join Real Madrid once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
The news was first reported by Le Parisien.
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Last month, ESPN reported that Mbappé had been offered a contract by Madrid and, according to a source, he is expected to announce his decision to join the 14-time European champions next week.
Mbappé, 25, has not yet informed PSG or Real Madrid, according to sources, but his decision has been made.
His desire to be allowed to play with France at the home Olympics this summer will be an important part of negotiations with Madrid.
And, given Mbappé's previous change of heart regarding his move to the Bernabéu in 2022, it is still possible that he changes his mind until the deal is actually signed by both parties. However, his move to Madrid finally looks set to come to fruition this summer.
A source told ESPN that PSG offered Mbappé a pay rise on his gross salary of 72 million euros ($77.8 million), but their proposal was rejected by the France international. Sources consulted by ESPN indicated that by choosing to leave the club as a free agent, Mbappé would opt out of bonuses which amount to around 100 million euros.
His salary at Madrid, according to a source, is expected to be half of what he currently earns at PSG.
The French captain, who grew up idolizing Bernabéu legends Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, has always dreamed of playing for Madrid and, according to a source, he feels it is the right time in his career to move to the Spanish capital.
Sources told ESPN that PSG had prepared two scenarios for their future plans: one that involved Mbappé remaining at the club and another that did not. However, according to sources, there had been a feeling at the club for a few weeks that he was going to leave.
Now that his future is decided, PSG will follow their plan B and, according to sources, have identified AC Milan's Rafael Leão as Mbappé's replacement.
