Regrets for PSG: Mbappé Leaves Free After Missed Transfer Opportunities

Kylian Mbappé officially departed from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent in July after rejecting a contract extension with the club. This decision has left the PSG management reflecting on lost opportunities, as they could have capitalized financially on the French forward’s talents during his time in the capital. Over the past few years, the club received significant offers that, had they been accepted, could have resulted in a lucrative transfer. Here’s a closer look at the situation.

Missed Opportunities for PSG

The PSG organization is undoubtedly filled with regrets after Kylian Mbappé’s departure this summer. According to L’Équipe, the summer transfer market of 2022 was particularly eventful, with Mbappé at the center of attention. Following his contract extension until 2024 in May, he quickly changed his stance, demanding to leave the club due to unmet recruitment promises. PSG had allegedly assured him of signings, including stars like Robert Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva. This led Liverpool to present a staggering €200 million offer, which PSG dismissed, insisting on double that amount.

Real Madrid’s Bid in 2021

A year prior, in 2021, PSG was already in a position to secure a hefty sum for Mbappé. Real Madrid, keen on acquiring the forward, made a €200 million bid for his transfer. This was later confirmed by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez on Radio Marca, stating, “We are trying to bring in good players, but you must be able to pay for them. When you offer €200 million and they don’t sell, it complicates things. It’s better when players are out of contract, but for now, clubs linked to states are not selling their players.”

Al-Hilal’s Historic Offer

Kylian Mbappé was presented with a chance to shatter Neymar’s transfer record of €222 million. In July 2023, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal made an eye-popping €300 million offer for the forward. PSG, aware that their star would not extend his contract, accepted this proposal. However, Mbappé’s refusal to move ultimately derailed the deal. An internal PSG source confirmed this to L’Équipe, stating, “After 2022, the only serious offer came from Saudi Arabia, and the club accepted it.” Consequently, PSG failed to sell Mbappé, who left the club as a free agent this summer.