Like any good drama, Saudi Arabia’s high profile push to enlist some of the biggest names in football in their drive to make the Saudi Pro League a global power has enjoyed numerous twists and turns. Whether anybody was fully expecting Al-Hilal to make a world record $332m grab for Kylian Mbappe, however, is open to debate. The fact that they are allegedly willing to take him for one season only, is something that could have a huge effect on the future of the game.
Is Mbappe leaving PSG?
It’s looking increasingly likely. Coming into the final year of his contract, last month the 24-year-old striker submitted a formal letter to the club, stating that he will not be taking the option of a one-year extension to his contract. At the time, Qatari chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi explained that the striker had to sign the contract, as the club was unprepared to risk losing their prized asset for free in 12 months time. On Friday Mbappe was left out of the club’s pre-season tour and officially put up for sale.
Doesn’t Mbappe want to go to Real Madrid?
Those closest to the Frenchman—who joined PSG for $213m from Monaco in 2018—state that Madrid is his preferred destination. However, it seems that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) which recently acquired majority stakes in the four biggest clubs in the Kingdom have sniffed an opportunity.
Will Mbappe go to Al-Hilal?
While there’s been no dialogue between the two clubs, it’s alleged that an official offer has been made by Al-Hilal. The fact that they appear willing to take him for one year on an eye-wateringly lucrative salary—the club previously offered Lionel Messi $450m per year, it’s rumoured Mbappe’s package could be $14.8m per week—and then let him leave, presumably to Madrid, means that this could actually have some legs. Although what that type of move means for football in a wider sense is anybody’s guess.