Kylian Mbappe and his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are in a serious conflict regarding unpaid wages. The star forward has demanded payment from PSG for money he says the club owes him.
Mbappe announced in May that he would leave PSG after seven years. He has now completed a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Despite his move, Mbappe has contacted PSG, insisting they pay him unpaid wages and bonuses. These payments go back to February and total around €100 million (£84 million/$107 million), according to French sports newspaper L'Equipe.
PSG’s financial dispute
The issue began in February when PSG reportedly stopped paying Mbappe after he informed the club president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, about his plans to leave. This decision was based on a gentleman's agreement made last summer. According to Info Blast, PSG believed Mbappe had agreed to give up some salary payments as part of this understanding. Additionally, PSG is asking Mbappe to repay an €80 million (£67 million/$85 million) loyalty bonus he received in October. The club had assumed Real Madrid would cover this bonus, but Real Madrid was unaware of this situation and has no plans to pay it.
A PSG spokesperson told Info Blast, “The player pledged to protect the club upon his departure, firstly giving assurances that he would not leave on a ‘free transfer’ and then if his departure was ultimately a free transfer, agreeing not to leave ‘for free' (in other words, giving up certain financial rights), which is what some recent holdbacks relate to.”
Mbappe is currently focused on playing for France at Euro 2024. After the tournament, he will join his new team, Real Madrid, for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, PSG is searching for a replacement for Mbappe and has been linked with several high-profile attackers, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
This dispute between Mbappe and PSG is causing significant tension. Mbappe is adamant about receiving the money he believes he is owed, while PSG stands firm on their position regarding the unpaid wages and the loyalty bonus. This situation has drawn considerable attention from the football world, highlighting the complex financial aspects involved in high-profile player transfers.
PSG and Mbappe's relationship has always been closely watched. Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 and quickly became one of the world's top players. His performances on the pitch and his marketability off it have made him a global superstar. However, this financial disagreement has added a new layer of complexity to their relationship. PSG's insistence on holding back payments based on the gentleman's agreement contrasts sharply with Mbappe's demand for what he believes is rightfully his.
As Mbappe continues to shine on the international stage with France, his focus will soon shift back to club football with Real Madrid. Real Madrid has long coveted Mbappe, and his arrival is expected to bolster their attacking options significantly. However, the financial issues with PSG could potentially overshadow his fresh start in Spain.
For PSG, replacing a player of Mbappe's caliber is a daunting task. The club has been linked with several potential signings to fill the void left by Mbappe's departure. Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are two names that have surfaced in transfer rumors, but securing top talent will not be easy or cheap.
The disagreement between Mbappe and PSG over unpaid wages and bonuses is an ongoing issue. Both sides have strong arguments, and it remains to be seen how this conflict will be resolved. Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his career, but his past with PSG continues to cause complications. PSG’s efforts to find a replacement also add to the drama, making this a closely watched situation in the football community.
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