In recent days, Paris Saint-Germain said Kylian Mbappe is a protected asset, meaning the young Frenchman is not open for transfer deals. However, the developments lately at Parc des Princes seemed to suggest that the attacker could be out of the French capital soon, and possibly to join Real Madrid.
For Mbappe, one of the sticking points with the Parisians is his rocky relationship with German boss Thomas Tuchel. There were times the two were seen in tense arguments, thus firing up speculations that the 21-year-old star could be plotting his way out of PSG.
Also, the World Cup winner has so far refused to discuss an extension deal with the Ligue 1, which interested clubs like Real and Manchester City take as a sign that Mbappe does not intend to stay for long in Paris. That is why the rumors persist that a transfer could happen even though the youngster is tied up with PSG until 2022.
Now the latest sign appears to have been forced by the coronavirus pandemic, according to AS. The report said PSG would want the players to approve a pay cut that will see players' wages shaved off by up to 50 percent.
If the plan is rolled out, and likely it will be as teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid have already implemented significant salary reduction measures, Mbappe will stand to lose half of his annual take-home pay of €20.8 million. Per the same report, PSG's move is a puzzle, coming at a time that the club's rising star is being courted by elite clubs from La Liga and the Premier League.
Strangely, the Parisians are like sending out a signal that the attacker is being eased out for a number of reasons. If that will be the case, the competition will surely take notice.
That Mbappe could be out of France as early as this summer has the support of Brazilian legend Rivaldo. The former Barcelona attacker said the young midfielder would see growth in his career leaving PSG, and the sooner the better, according to Daily Star.
"Real Madrid should try to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2021. Of course, the French attacker would be a good signing for them and would be a big boost for the club," Rivaldo was reported as saying.
He offered that the Frenchman seemed restless at the moment and will likely make a move eventually. Rivaldo said it is inevitable that PSG will be losing Mbappe, sooner or later.
"With all his talent and as a world champion for France, he would want to take a step forward in his career and play in one of the best leagues in the world," Rivaldo said in offering his take on why Mbappe would want to be part of the Los Blancos.
