Kylian Mbappe free to negotiate with Real Madrid, PSG hopeful to retain him

Kylian Mbappe's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire in six months, and speculation about his future is intensifying with the French world champion now allowed to enter discussions with any club he pleases as a pending free agent.

On January 1, 2024, clubs can officially approach Mbappe and offer him a contract to be signed now for his move on July 1, 2024. PSG, however, reportedly remains hopeful about extending his contract and keeping him in tow while Real Madrid, despite public denials, is reportedly changing their approach, having given them an ultimatum to sign now or never.

PSG has remained upbeat, as reported by L'Equipe. The club has kept official communication with the player on the matter minimal to avoid rampant rumors because of leaked information, but sources indicate a "fluid internal dialogue" between Mbappe and the club has already happened.

There is confidence in PSG's brass about potentially securing a new contract to be signed by Mbappe. The relationship between Mbappe and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has improved significantly since last summer, contributing to the club's optimism about reaching a deal in the next few weeks or months.

Mbappe has not publicly disclosed his intentions. His interaction with PSG coach Luis Enrique has been described as challenging yet ultimately beneficial for his development with all parties enjoying a reasonably good season on and off the field.

Enrique's demanding coaching style seems to resonate with Mbappe even if it makes him work harder than he's ever done, at times leading to moments of public frustration that have only generated dumb rumors.

Real Madrid, a long-time admirer of Mbappe, is reportedly planning another attempt to sign him this winter and landing him next summer. Spanish media outlet Marca recently reported on Monday that Real Madrid might has submitted Mbappe an offer of a contract with a net salary of €26 million and a €130 million signing bonus, both records for the club.

However, the outlet also revealed that Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez is proceeding cautiously, delegating negotiations to the club's general director, following the 2022 negotiation mishap where Mbappe chose to stay with PSG, out of fear of looking bad to the eyes of the world.