Exclusive: Olympics a dealbreaker for Mbappe, who could cost his club €70m over the summer

Kylian Mbappe is intent on playing at both Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games in Paris.
His appearance at both if fit might seem like a given, but only Paris Saint-Germain have to date committed to Mbappe playing at both tournaments as part of their renewal offer.

Mbappe is yet to decide on his future and has pledged to tell PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi first once he has decided. PSG’s renewal offer is worth around €70m-gross per-year and relatively similar to the existing contract Mbappe is on.

Real Madrid are also strongly exploring signing Mbappe on a free transfer this summer, although reports of a deal already being agreed have been publicly denied by the Mbappe camp. Real sources also insist no January deadline was provided for Mbappe to make a decision.

Mbappe views playing at the Olympic Games in Paris as a dealbreaker, but Real Madrid have not yet given the green light. Nonetheless, Thierry Henry is planning to select Mbappe, and unconcerned at this stage about his appearance being potentially blocked.

But appearing at Euro 2024 and the Olympic Games will see Mbappe absent from his club for June, July and August when training camps and post-tournament rest is factored in. Mid-to-late August is likely the earliest Mbappe would be able to play domestic football again, and should it be at a new club then he will have had no pre-season (important more for chemistry than fitness in this context) or bedding in time.

There is a reluctance from Real to sign Mbappe and pay his substantial wage during a period he won’t be with the club, potentially leading to any contract being dated for later over the summer.

Mbappe has also been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea in the past, although nothing has developed significantly to