Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain seems depressed after the 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, August 23, 2020. /VCG
The 2020-21 Ligue 1 season did not favor the defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Seven of their players tested positive for COVID-19; the team lost 1-0 to RC Lens in their opener. Now there's something worse: the team's ace Kylian Mbappe reportedly told PSG that he wants to leave after this season for either La Liga or Premier League, according to The Times.
Back in 2017, PSG landed 19-year-old Mbappe from Monaco – first on loan and then via transfer – and spent a total of 180 million euros (about 213.3 million U.S. dollars) for the young genius. That was the second-highest transfer fee in the football world, only next to the 220 million euros (about 261 million U.S. dollars) paid by PSG for introducing Neymar from Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain holds the Coupe de France championship trophy after the 1-0 victory in the final against Saint-Etienne (ASSE) at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, July 24, 2020. /VCG
In the following three seasons, Mbappe made 105 appearances for the French giant and scored 77 goals. His epic speed and sharp penetration became one of the most powerful offensive weapons of PSG. Mbappe won three Ligue 1 titles and two Coupe de France championships for PSG. In 2018, he won the FIFA World Cup title with France. In August, he and PSG entered the UEFA Champions League Finals for the first time in team history before they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
Mbappe's current contract with PSG will last until 2022 and pays him over 20 million euros (about 23.7 million U.S. dollars) per year plus performance bonuses. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been watering for the young genius but both PSG and Mbappe himself turned down offers from the two Spanish heavyweights more than once.
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain passes by the UEFA Champions League trophy after the 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Final at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, August 23, 2020. /VCG
However, it seems like Mbappe has finally changed his mind and his notice to the club should be seen as a gesture of goodwill: since he won't leave as a free agent, whoever wants him must make a juicy compensation for PSG.
German football website transfermarkt.com valued Mbappe at 180 million euros (about 213.3 million U.S. dollars). His highest valuation reached 200 million euros (about 237 million U.S. dollars) two years ago.
If Real Madrid, which have been one of the thirstiest buyers of Mbappe, manage to land him. It will be a big blow to their mortal enemy Barcelona. Moreover, if Mbappe leaves, it may be even harder for PSG to keep Neymar. If the Brazilian departs for Barcelona, the two can make the next greatest rivalry in the next 10 years.