Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has dealt a significant blow to Al Hilal’s ambitious hopes of completing a world record transfer deal worth Sh47.5 billion. The French star refused to meet with officials from the Saudi club, thwarting their plans.
L’Equipe sports daily reported that Mbappe declined “any discussion with the representatives of the Al-Hilal club, present in Paris this Wednesday.”
The delegation from Al Hilal came to Paris with the intention of finalizing the transfer of Brazilian player Malcom from Zenit Saint Petersburg. Additionally, they hoped to present their project to Mbappe while in the French capital.
However, L’Equipe asserted that this approach was destined to fail, as Mbappe’s entourage adamantly refused any discussions with the representatives of the Saudi club. The report also clarified that the captain of Les Bleus had never considered the option.
While Al Hilal had been given permission by PSG to open talks with Mbappe, the French striker has shown no interest in moving to the Saudi league, which has been rapidly growing in prominence.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG is set to expire next year, and the French club would prefer to secure a transfer fee now rather than let him go for free next summer. However, the player has been refusing to sign a new contract, and PSG believes that he has already reached an agreement to join Real Madrid next year.
Real Madrid reportedly planned to sign Mbappe on a free transfer next year, offering a significant signing bonus since they would not have to pay PSG for his services.
The standoff between Mbappe and PSG escalated when the club excluded him from their squad to tour Japan and South Korea last weekend. There are speculations that Mbappe may not be selected for an entire year if a resolution with PSG is not found.
Mbappe, PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in 260 appearances, remains the second most expensive player in history, behind his teammate Neymar.
Al Hilal, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has already made significant signings this summer, including central defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and Ruben Neves from Wolves.
