You always got the sense that the current summer transfer window would only really kick off after one of the big players potentially on the market became available, something that now seems to be the case with Kylian Mbappe.
The French superstar is currently involved in a standoff with PSG, one that is quickly turning ugly.
The forward has informed the club that he will not sign a new contract and plans to leave on a free transfer in 2024. However, the Ligue 1 champions having informed him that he will be sold this summer if he does not pen a new deal, something the player has resisted as he presumably seeks to land a huge signing on bonus as a free agent next year.
This disagreement has resulted in Mbappe being left out of the club's pre-season tour to Japan, instead being sent to train with a number of other outcasts away from the first team squad.
It has been assumed that the 24-year old has a move to Real Madrid lined up at the end of the season, although it remains to be seen if either party would be willing to bring their arrangement forward by 12 months.
If they refuse to do so, it seems as though another crazy option has emerged.
Kylian Mbappe the subject of insane Saudi Arabia offer
It has been reported this morning that PSG have received a €300million bid from Saudi club Al Hilal for Kylian Mbappe.
EXCL: Al Hilal have submitted formal bid to Paris Saint-Germain in order to open talks for Kylian Mbappé. 🚨🔵🇸🇦
Understand it’s worth €300m — record fee.
No talks on player side.
⚪️ PSG remain convinced that Mbappé already agreed terms with Real Madrid with contract ready. pic.twitter.com/yeDu5AQr6E— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2023
That is a number that the club would find very difficult to turn down. While you might have presumed that the forward would have no interest in moving to the Middle East, the terms on offer in this deal could make it very difficult to turn down.
Not only are Al Hilal willing to offer him a salary of €700million per season, they will also reportedly give him the option to join Real Madrid for free in the summer of 2024 should he wish to do so.
Al Hilal offering €300m transfer fee to PSG. In addition to this they are prepared to offer Mbappe a salary package of €700m over one year, after which he would be free to depart for Real Madrid should he so wish.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) July 24, 2023
Not only is that an obscene amount of money, but the terms of the deal are unlike anything we have ever seen in professional football. The Saudi Arabian club are essentially willing to stump up €1billion in order to rent Kylian Mbappe for one season, although they may hope that the salary on offer could tempt him into a longer stay in the country.
It remains to be seen if the player would be open to this scenario. However, the promise of a move to Real Madrid 12 months from now makes this somewhat of a no lose situation for him on a personal level.
This deal would certainly send shockwaves around world football were it to go through.
SEE ALSO: Ronaldo Seeks To Tempt Manchester United Defender To Saudi Arabia
