Kylian Mbappé’s transfer saga creating tense atmosphere at PSG’s pre-season Asia tour
PSG’s pre-season Asia tour is “not going as planned” due to the ongoing transfer saga surrounding free-scoring forward Kylian Mbappé (24), according to a feature this Wednesday from RMC Sport. The 24-year-old all-time record goalscorer with Les Parisiens has been left out of the squad that has flown to Japan last Saturday. The France skipper is training at Paris Saint-Germain’s brand-new training ground at Poissy with the players that PSG want rid of, like Leandro Paredes or Georginio Wijnaldum.
Mbappé has been sanctioned by PSG over his refusal to commit his future with the Ligue 1 champions. Several of the club’s insiders believe that the 24-year-old has agreed to join Real Madrid as a free agent next summer. This Wednesday, Mbappé has refused to entertain contract talks with PIF-funded Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal, whose world-record €300m bid was understandably accepted by PSG.
In Japan, PSG players remain tight-lipped on the matter. Club captain Marquinhos said he hoped that Mbappé would “be part of the group and help us this season”. However, the Brazil international’s take was not really to the liking of the club’s higher-ups. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi reportedly ostensibly made this known to Marquinhos. Consequently, the mood is not really light, bright, breezy or sunny at PSG’s pre-season Asia tour. The outlet mentions the situation is “uneasy to live with“. The players are reportedly torn between backing Mbappé and following the club’s official stance. Newly-appointed manager Luis Enrique also remains coy. The Spaniard said he won’t talk to the media until the mandatory pre-game press conference before Ligue 1’s opening day against Lorient, on August 12th.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
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