Why Kylian Mbappe has all the power in PSG contract war vs president Nasser Al-Khelaifi despite ultimatum

Kylian Mbappe's club future has been an ongoing saga for the last few years, and things are only getting spicier this summer.

In the summer of 2022, Mbappe surprised everyone when, despite swirling rumors of a free transfer to Real Madrid, he instead turned around and re-signed with PSG for huge wages.

That extension, a two-year deal with a player option for a third season, expires in the summer of 2024, and Mbappe has already informed the club in writing that he will not pick up the option. Therefore, PSG must either transfer Mbappe this summer and recoup a significant sum, or let him walk as a free agent next year.

While the club may not wish to let Mbappe just walk for free in 2024 given that PSG have invested over €500 million in the player between transfer fee and wages, the Paris giants may not have a choice in the matter.

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PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi used the occasion of the unveiling of new coach Luis Enrique to give Kylian Mbappe an ultimatum when it comes to his PSG future.

PSG have unilaterally established a timeline for Mbappe to make a decision on either extending his PSG contract or not. Al-Khelaifi took a hard-line stance, saying that Mbappe will need to make up his mind soon, so that the club isn't left in a difficult position.

"We want him to stay, but he can't leave for free in [summer] 2024," said Al-Khelaifi, indicating that Mbappe will be sold if he does not wish to sign a new contract with PSG. "It was our oral agreement and he had expressed it publicly in an interview. It's not debatable.

"I was really shocked to learn that he intended to leave for free. It's very disappointing because Kylian is a fantastic boy, a real gentleman, and leaving for