Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has been ongoing for years, and now they’ve successfully secured his services. The 25-year-old French star’s signing was officially announced on Monday, marking a significant achievement after more than two years since their previous attempt to acquire him.
Back in May 2022, Mbappe made headlines by rejecting Madrid’s offer and opting to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain instead. However, this time around, the process has been much smoother, generating considerable excitement within the Madrid camp as they welcome one of the world’s top talents. This excitement is heightened by the club’s recent victory in securing its 15th European Cup/Champions League title, with a squad already brimming with promising young players.
Nevertheless, the free-agent transfer wasn’t devoid of intrigue, and it faced some opposition along the way. This is the comprehensive account of how Real Madrid finally sealed the deal for Mbappe.
The Pursuit of Kylian Mbappe: Madrid’s Strategic Maneuvers and PSG’s Economic Safeguards
The onset of 2024 signaled the commencement of a significant phase.
In early January, discussions unfolded at Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex, which also houses the club’s offices, where it was agreed upon to make a final bid for Mbappe’s signature.
Numerous deliberations took place on this matter, yet some influential figures within Madrid remained unconvinced of its merit. Their reservations stemmed from dual concerns. Firstly, there was apprehension that the club’s interests might suffer a blow similar to Mbappe’s rejection two years earlier. Additionally, others felt that the timing wasn’t opportune, citing both sporting and financial considerations.
Some advocated for prudence regarding the club’s finances, despite their overall health, even amidst the significant renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, projected to cost at least €1.3 billion. Furthermore, there were concerns about potential repercussions on team dynamics, with Mbappe potentially becoming the highest-paid player while many of his new teammates boasted more extensive trophy collections. Additionally, some believed that Madrid could thrive without him, particularly with the impending arrival of 17-year-old Brazilian talent Endrick and the team’s current commendable performance.
In essence, there was a prevalent sentiment that Madrid’s existing project was flourishing without Mbappe’s addition.
Nevertheless, club president Florentino Perez resolved to pursue another attempt, taking into consideration the aforementioned factors. It was also decided to set a deadline for Mbappe to respond to the revised proposal, which featured terms lower than those offered in 2022. According to sources familiar with the prior negotiations, who, like all sources referenced in this account, opted for anonymity to safeguard relationships, Mbappe was presented with a six-season contract, including a €130 million signing bonus and an annual salary of €26 million..
Mbappe himself took an initial step on January 3 by addressing reporters without consulting PSG, following PSG’s victory over Toulouse in the Trophee des Champions—a match akin to England’s Community Shield, pitting the previous season’s Ligue 1 and French Cup winners against each other.
“In 2022, I didn’t finalize my decision until May,” Mbappe responded to queries regarding his future, noting that with the commencement of the new year, he had entered the final six months of his contract and was free to engage in discussions with interested clubs. “If I am clear about my intentions, prolonging the decision wouldn’t serve any purpose.”
Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed the club’s desire for Mbappe to remain, asserting, “He is the best player in the world, and PSG is the best place for him. He is integral to our project. I urge everyone to respect Kylian’s privacy.”
Mbappe’s statements were received positively in Madrid, where the club was already finalizing the details of their offer. When the proposed terms reached Mbappe’s inner circle in the subsequent days, Madrid communicated that his salary (slightly higher than Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham’s earnings) and signing bonus would elevate him to the highest-paid player status.
Perez maintained regular communication with Mbappe throughout this process, a departure from the usual protocol where negotiations are handled by the club’s director general, Jose Angel Sanchez. Mbappe expressed his eagerness for the move during discussions with Perez. Despite Madrid’s public stance denying interest in the player, behind the scenes, as reported by The Athletic on multiple occasions, they were actively pursuing him.
Sanchez’s optimistic return from a trip to Paris ahead of Madrid’s participation in the Supercopa de Espana tournament signaled further progress. By the end of January, there was widespread confidence within Madrid that a deal would materialize. However, a definitive agreement had yet to be reached, with some individuals close to Mbappe expressing reservations about the move.
In mid-February, The Athletic reported that influential members of Mbappe’s inner circle were hesitant about Madrid’s offer, considering it inferior to his current earnings at PSG and potential offers from other suitors. In discussions with Perez, the president emphasized how joining Madrid would elevate Mbappe’s sporting and commercial profile, potentially increasing his personal revenue. Typically, image rights at Madrid are split evenly between the club and the player, but Mbappe’s share is expected to be in his favor.
Despite indications that Mbappe might depart, PSG sources felt economically safeguarded. They disclosed a provisional agreement with Mbappe that included financial compensation for the club if he were to leave upon the expiration of his contract on June 30. This agreement, characterized by its complexity and addressing various scenarios, reportedly involves Mbappe foregoing certain loyalty bonuses. Discussions regarding this aspect are ongoing, emphasizing the emphasis on protecting all parties involved in Mbappe’s departure.
The specifics of any agreement between Mbappe and PSG remain uncertain. However, PSG has emphasized that any departure at the end of the 2023-24 season would not be considered a ‘free transfer’ from their perspective.
Mbappe’s Transfer Saga: Real Madrid’s Strategic Secrecy to Public Revelation
A pivotal moment occurred on February 13, a Tuesday, when Real Madrid faced RB Leipzig in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie. Accompanied by insider information, senior figures from the club traveled, anticipating that Mbappe would inform PSG of his decision to leave at the end of the season.
Although the news remained undisclosed until Thursday, with the Madrid squad still in Germany, the club’s board informed head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Without confirmation of Mbappe’s contract signing, Ancelotti was assured he could rely on having the striker in his squad for the upcoming season.
Approximately 10 days later, Mbappe was spotted in Spain, albeit in Barcelona rather than Madrid, enjoying a brief respite. According to sources, he initially traveled to the capital to finalize his contract.
Only in early June did additional sources divulge further details about the February discussions, indicating that Mbappe’s transfer was sealed during this period.
The final negotiation stages were shrouded in secrecy, a characteristic of Madrid’s operations. Additionally, sources involved in the deal disclosed that Mbappe’s mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, insisted on absolute confidentiality to protect her son during his final months with PSG.
Tensions between Mbappe and PSG ensued, with manager Luis Enrique occasionally benching or substituting him. Following a half-time substitution during a goalless draw against Monaco on March 1, Mbappe sat in the stands with his family instead of on the bench. Allegedly, a heated exchange occurred between members of the PSG board and his mother.
The looming conclusion of Mbappe’s tenure at PSG coincided with both clubs’ participation in the Champions League, necessitating discretion. Three days after PSG’s elimination by Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, Mbappe publicly announced his decision to depart, citing a need for a new challenge after seven years with the club.
Mbappe’s announcement, strategically timed before PSG’s final home game on May 12, caught the club off guard. Despite the lack of official acknowledgment from PSG, the team’s ultras honored Mbappe with a grand tifo.
Reports surfaced of an alleged argument between Mbappe and PSG president Al-Khelaifi, with the latter reproaching the former for omitting him from his farewell video. However, a PSG source vehemently denied the occurrence, stating that an agreement over Mbappe’s departure terms was nearly finalized.
Following Mbappe’s departure announcement, he was named Ligue 1’s Player of the Year for the fifth consecutive season. In his acceptance speech, he alluded to the upcoming chapter in his career without divulging his next club.
Un sueño hecho realidad.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) June 3, 2024
Muy feliz y orgulloso de formar parte del club de mis sueños @realmadrid Es imposible explicar lo feliz y emocionado que me siento en este momento. Estoy impaciente por veros, Madridistas, y gracias por vuestro increíble apoyo.
¡Hala Madrid! 🤍🤍🤍
A… pic.twitter.com/YTumusAXT6
The timing of the official announcement of Mbappe’s transfer, expected after the Champions League final, was carefully orchestrated by Madrid to avoid detracting attention from the prestigious event. Finally, on Monday, following Madrid’s historic 15th European Cup/Champions League victory, The Athletic reported that the announcement would be made during the week, culminating in fans eagerly anticipating Mbappe’s arrival in the iconic white kit.
