What does Kylian Mbappe’s exit mean for PSG?

Kylian Mbappe will depart PSG after this season, and is expected to join La Liga side Real Madrid.

Updated on: Feb 23, 2024, 06:24:10 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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The Kylian Mbappe transfer saga is slowly coming to a wrap, with the Frenchman informing PSG that he would depart when his contract expires this summer. Real Madrid has been touted as his destination, marking the beginning of a new chapter for PSG.

PSG's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal. (AFP)

Last June, Mbappe and PSG were at war as the 2018 World Cup winner revealed that he would not be extending his contract. It looked unlikely that he would feature for PSG in the 2023-24 season. But soon, the PSG hierarchy came to an agreement with Mbappe, who decided to represent them for the season.

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But now, he has informed the club that he will leave at the end of this season, with Madrid expected to give him a massive contract.

For Mbappe, it wasn't an easy decision to make as he was born in Paris. Since joining PSG in 2017, he has broken plenty of individual club records, overtaking the likes of Pedro Miguel Pauleta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani as the club's top-scorer in history with 244 goals (as of February 21), and that too he is only 25-years-old.

For PSG, it will be a huge loss after signing him on loan initially, with a mandatory purchase option of 180 million Euros in 2017. His departure will also mark an end to their first Galactico plan, which has seen stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Mbappe come and go, but fail to win the much-coveted Champions League title.

Since Nasser Al-Khelaifi took over in 2012, the club has roped in superstars every season. But the plan hasn't really worked out and it saw countless knockout stage exits, and also a defeat in the 2020 final.

It was well-known by the PSG hierarchy that Mbappe would leave one day, due to the lack of Champions League glory. The club were already planning last summer and made some key young signings. They roped in Randal Kolo Muani (24), Goncalo Ramos (22), Bradley Barcola (20), Lee Kang-in (22) and Manuel Ugarte (22). Meanwhile, they also added experience with the arrivals of Ousmane Dembele (26) and Lucas Hernandez (27). Their transfer activity saw them spend close to 400 million Euros, and now they also have Luis Enrique at the helm as manager.

The club are also expected to utilise their homegrown players to a huge extent next season. They have 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery, who has been sensational this season. Meanwhile, Ethan Mbappe, Ishamel Gharbi and Sennu Mayulu are expected to be given more minutes. The spotlight will also be on Xavi Simons, who is on loan at RB Leipzig and is in hot form. He will be key for PSG when he returns.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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