Sports

There appears to be a significant development in the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain, as recent reports suggest that both parties are actively discussing a contract extension. While the details remain hush-hush, it seems compromises are on the table.

Duncan Castles of The Times has shed light on this intriguing situation. Apparently, Mbappé has proposed a rather unconventional compromise that could potentially reshape the course of his contract negotiations with PSG. The crux of his proposal involves relinquishing approximately €100 million in bonuses, contingent on his decision not to renew his contract.

In an equally innovative response, PSG has countered with what’s being termed a “guaranteed sale clause.” This proposed inclusion in the new contract aims to offer a solution for any future transfer scenarios that might arise. The clause is expected to provide a framework for both parties to navigate the intricacies of a potential transfer smoothly.

While the spotlight naturally falls on Real Madrid in the event of Mbappé’s departure from the French capital, it appears the Spanish powerhouse is reluctant to fork out any transfer fees for the services of the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion.

Adding to the intrigue, Mbappé made a noteworthy statement to Real Madrid following his goal against Toulouse FC over the weekend. As speculations swirl and uncertainties mount, the trajectory of this young Frenchman’s career remains a puzzle waiting to be unravelled.

Kylian Mbappe seems to sign a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain on the account that he may leave the next summer.

Mbappe’s future has dominated this summer’s transfer window, but it now appears that the 24-year-old attacker is going to stay at PSG after all, with a contract offer on the table that would mean he is certain to leave for a fee in 2024.

In June Mbappe told PSG that he didn’t want to extend his current contract, which elapses next summer. Unwilling to let the Frenchman leave for free, PSG accepted a would-be record £259 million ($328.4m) offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal. When Mbappe rejected the move, the Ligue 1 giants excluded him from their pre-season preparations.

Now, after holding constructive talks with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Mbappe is set to sign a one-year deal until 2025, with a clause guaranteeing that he can be sold in 2024, according to FootMercarto. That way, PSG will be able to bring in some sort of transfer fee and the player will get his wish to move on.

It’s widely believed that Mbappe wants to join The Real Madrid next summer. The Spanish giants have not signed a replacement for Karim Benzema so are likely to move for Mbappe next year.

On the other hand, it seems like a free transfer is going to be off the charts.

Paris Saint-Germain have allegedly accepted a ‘huge’ offer for Neymar from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

• Neymar associated with PSG exit
• Al-Hilal table ‘huge’ offer for Brazilian
• 31-year-old considering his options

What’s the reason?

The Brazilian international has reportedly informed PSG he wants to leave the club this summer, although the French side may hold out for at least €150 million (£130m/$165m). After Fabrizio Romano claimed Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal tabled a ‘huge’ offer for the 31-year-old on Saturday, RMC Sport state that bid has now been accepted. However, the report adds Neymar is yet to give the deal the ‘green light’ despite negotiations between his representatives and the club being at an advanced stage.

If Neymar leaves  PSG this summer, with former side Barcelona and MLS clubs said to be keeping tabs on him, that would end a six-year stay in the French capital – where he has scored 118 goals in 173 appearances. This is going on at a time when the Ligue 1 champions are, arguably, in a state of disarray, with Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Marco Verratti left out of the squad for the 0-0 draw against Lorient on Saturday. Incidentally, PSG accepted a €300m (£259m/$332m) bid from Al-Hilal for Mbappe last month but he was not interested in a move there.

PSG are planning to sell Mbappe this summer after he refused to sign a new deal with the club. They do not want him to depart on a free next year but if he and Neymar leave this summer, their results in Ligue 1 and the Champions League could suffer.

Tata Martino says Lionel Messi has shown he can handle himself after coming in for some rough treatment in Inter Miami’s victory over Orlando City.

Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1

Messi scored twice, received a yellow card

Coach Martino acknowledged increased friction

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi scored a brace in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round of 32. However, the Florida derby also saw the Argentine on the receiving end of several harsh challenges from the opposition. On one occasion he pushed Cesar Araujo after being caught by one full-blooded challenge and was later caught in a war of words with Felipe Martins.

Coach Martino admitted that things got heated up and approved the “friction” to the presence of many South American players on the pitch.

WHAT THEY SAID: “The match the other day was completely different from the last ones that is true. There was more friction. I attribute it to the fact that there were many South Americans on the pitch. … And obviously there is a respect for the best player in the world, but the reality is that over the 90 minutes each team wants to win. And so it was commendable of him to play on the field the way that he did, and it assisted up notice to say, ‘Our team is here, watch out’,” he told reporters.

Messi scored in his third straight game and had his second consecutive multi-goal performance for Inter Miami in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match against Orlando City SC.

There is no stopping Lionel Messi.The Argentine megastar continued his fiery. Form for Inter Miami and scored a brace against Orlando City on Wednesday night to lead his side to the round of 16 of the Leagues Cup.

Inter Miami clinched a compelling 3-1 win to make up for the next stage of the knockout competition. Although rain-enforced 95-minute delay, Messi needed just about seven minutes to score the opening goal of the night at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.