Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal is eager to sign Mbappe, even though the PSG forward has expressed his preference to join Real Madrid in 2024 when his PSG contract comes to an end.
As tempting as the offer from Al Hilal to Paris Saint-Germain for Kylian Mbappe may be, it's not a blind bid. The Saudi Pro League club has been actively exploring what it would take to secure his transfer for weeks. Al Hilal's president, Fahad bin Nafel, has been discussing Mbappe with various parties, including in negotiations for other targets.
The Mbappe camp has communicated a few conditions but is still evaluating all possibilities. Mbappe himself is reportedly focused on joining Real Madrid next summer and remains unwilling to consider any other options. However, there might be a few complications to address before that happens.
This situation reflects the current state of the entire transfer market, where two major factors are at play: Saudi Arabian money and the state of the striker market, which is interconnected with various interests.
The belief is that one major deal could trigger a domino effect, but currently, the two biggest deals are stuck. Interestingly, they are stuck for entirely opposite reasons. Tottenham Hotspur is reluctant to sell Harry Kane, while PSG is now eager to sell Mbappe. The contrasting situations add to the intrigue and complexity of the ongoing transfer market.
The potential chain reaction, as outlined by those involved in the deals, unfolds as follows: If PSG decides to sell Mbappe, they will escalate their efforts to acquire Harry Kane, going so far as to double their previous offer for the player. This increased bid would likely meet Daniel Levy's minimum valuation of £100 million for Kane, but it would also prompt a response from Bayern Munich. The German club is highly confident in their ability to sign Kane and believes he is interested in joining them, although some acknowledge that they may face challenges in negotiations with Levy, known for being a tough negotiator.
While PSG believes they can secure Kane for their project, there is a general feeling that Kane sees Manchester United as his top priority and has little interest in joining PSG. Manchester United is currently in negotiations for Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund but if Tottenham were to openly negotiate Kane's transfer with rival clubs, United would be compelled to consider making a move. There are even suggestions that the club's hierarchy would be willing to allocate separate funds specifically for the signing of the England international, given the immense value they see in bringing him to Old Trafford.
The prevailing belief in the market is that everything hinges on the Harry Kane decision. Once that is settled, PSG will either pursue Randal Kolo Muani or Dusan Vlahovic if they fail to secure Kane. If Vlahovic moves, Juventus will then make a concrete move for Romelu Lukaku, who has an offer from Al Hilal.
Regarding Kylian Mbappe, PSG has been in touch with major clubs across Europe, but the response has been mixed so far. Manchester United is currently not interested in signing him this summer and doesn't expect that to change. Barcelona and Chelsea have explored the possibility, with the latter potentially appealing to Mbappe due to a good relationship with Mauricio Pochettino. However, Mbappe's first preference in the Premier League is actually Arsenal. He is drawn to the romantic history of Thierry Henry at the club and the opportunity to make history by delivering a first title in 20 years.
Mbappe's situation highlights an irony and a trend in the football world. Despite his immense talent and potential, he has limited options, as only a handful of clubs can afford him. Similar to Lionel Messi's situation in 2021 and this summer, the days when lesser-known clubs in Serie A or La Liga could offer exciting possibilities to rising stars have passed. Now, the elite clubs dominate the landscape, leaving only a select few destinations for players of Mbappe's caliber.
Currently, most major clubs are hesitant to make a move for Kylian Mbappe due to reasons beyond their financial budgets. It appears that Mbappe's preference lies with traditional powerhouses of European football, particularly Real Madrid.
Both Real Madrid and Mbappe seem willing to be patient, putting increased pressure on PSG. However, insiders suggest that there may be more to this standoff than simply allowing the player to leave for free to a club they have a strained relationship with.
There are talks of a "loyalty bonus," with Mbappe set to receive £35 million if he remains at Parc des Princes until 31st July. This bonus would result in additional Financial Fair Play costs for PSG, despite not receiving any transfer fee for a player of Mbappe's significant value.
On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur may also face a similar situation, with their star player Harry Kane potentially leaving for free. The club has previously taken a different approach but is now reportedly considering selling Kane if he doesn't sign a new contract. Many in the industry believe this would be the most sensible decision, especially as the club would need to plan for a future without the striker sooner rather than later, especially with a new tactical approach under Ange Postecoglou potentially offering alternative options.
Currently, the transfer market is at a standstill, with all major clubs closely monitoring each other's moves but without making any definitive decisions. The situation with Kylian Mbappe's potential transfer to Al Hilal is not as straightforward as it may seem.
While Al Hilal is excited about the prospect of signing Mbappe, there are political complications within the Saudi Pro League itself. Many within the league are not enthusiastic about the idea of Mbappe using the league as a stepping stone before moving to Real Madrid.
Some argue that Mbappe's quick departure from the Saudi Pro League could damage the league's reputation and undermine the long-term goals of building a sustainable home for players outside the Premier League. The state wants to avoid becoming a mere parking spot for players, and an immediate move to Madrid could set a precedent for other high-profile players demanding similar clauses.
Moreover, Mbappe's departure would create a void in the league, making it feel less competitive and reinforcing the perceived natural order of football with the move to Madrid.
Despite these complexities, the offer to Mbappe from Al Hilal remains, and the uncertainty surrounding his decision is contributing to the overall standstill in the transfer market.
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