Transfer Centre

Kylian Mbappe yet to make decision on future despite Real Madrid, Liverpool links

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 January 2024

Mbappe yet to make decision on future despite Madrid, Liverpool links

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe says that he is yet to make a decision on his future, despite recent links to Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe says that he "has not made up his mind yet" as he continues to contemplate the next phase of his career.

At the turn of the year, Mbappe became free to hold discussions with foreign clubs regarding a potential free transfer at the end of the season.

That is a consequence of the 2018 World Cup winner not wanting to extend his current terms past 2024, a decision that initially led to him being left out of first-team matters at Parc des Princes.

A reconciliation soon afterwards has resulted in Mbappe remaining as PSG's key man, his 22nd goal of the season coming in Wednesday's Trophee des Champions fixture against Toulouse.

Nevertheless, in the background, speculation remains regarding a potential transfer to another high-profile European club, with Real Madrid known to hold a long-standing interest.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on September 24, 2023 © Reuters

President Florentino Perez is allegedly against a second drawn-out saga for the 25-year-old's signature, their last pursuit ending with Mbappe having a late change of heart.

Furthermore, Liverpool are said to be giving serious consideration to making a formal approach for Mbappe, who has been an admirer of the Premier League giants from afar.

However, speaking after Wednesday's fixture with Toulouse, Mbappe suggested that he is not in any rush to make a final decision, stressing that he is "very, very motivated" to win as much silverware with PSG as possible.

He said: "First of all, I'm very, very, very motivated for this year. It's very important. As I said, we've got titles to go after and we've already won one, so that's already done. After that, no, I haven't made up my mind yet.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after winning the Trophee des Champions on January 3, 2024 © Reuters

"But in any case, with the agreement I made with the chairman (Nasser Al-Khelaifi) this summer, it doesn't matter what I decide.

"We managed to protect all parties and preserve the club's serenity for the challenges ahead, which remains the most important thing. So we'll say it's secondary."

Reports have previously claimed that Mbappe has agreed to not receive substantial loyalty bonuses at PSG, said to be up to €100m (£86.25m).

From Real's perspective, they are said to have the financial leeway to successfully negotiate a deal with Mbappe courtesy of their La Liga salary cap having been increased for 2024-25.

Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Liverpool are making progress in their effort to tie Mohamed Salah down to a new contract, something that could theoretically impact on their ability to challenge for Mbappe's signature.