Kylian Mbappe ‘open to Paris Saint-Germain extension after rejoining training’



Kylian Mbappe 'open to PSG extension after rejoining training' Reuters

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that striker Kylian Mbappe has been reintegrated into first-team training following “very constructive” discussions with the 24-year-old, who is now said to be open to extending his contract.

Mbappe’s next career move has dominated the talk of the transfer market since it was confirmed that he had refused to extend his deal beyond the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

While PSG are naturally trying to force Mbappe out of the club before he leaves on a free transfer, the France international insists on remaining in Paris before making a decision on his future next summer.

The stand-off between club and player has seen Mbappe demoted to training away from Luis Enrique’s first team, joining a handful of other unwanted PSG players in a group labelled the ‘undesirables’.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has ruled out the possibility of Mbappe departing for nothing next year, but there was no resolution reached in alleged acrimonious discussions last week.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring for France on June 19, 2023 Reuters

PSG have supposedly threatened to bench Mbappe for the entire season should he refuse to extend, and the ex-Monaco man was not included in the squad to face Lorient in Saturday’s Ligue 1 opener.

However, with PSG struggling for attacking inspiration in a 0-0 draw with Les Merlus, Mbappe – who watched on at the Parc des Princes – is now back practising with the rest of his teammates.

“Following very constructive and positive talks between Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappe before the PSG-Lorient match, the player has been reintegrated into first-team training this morning,” a statement from PSG read.

Furthermore, a separate update from RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins states that Mbappe has now “paved the way” for a contract extension following those constructive conversations with Al-Khelaifi.

However, Hawkins stresses that nothing has been agreed between PSG and Mbappe yet, and it was previously claimed that the French champions believe he has already agreed terms with Real Madrid over a pre-contract agreement.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring on April 21, 2023 Reuters

Nevertheless, PSG are now increasingly optimistic that Mbappe can be convinced to stay on, and the forward will seemingly be available for next weekend’s Ligue 1 showdown with Toulouse.

The ex-Monaco man memorably snubbed Real Madrid in 2022 to continue in Parisien colours for another two years, and he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer last season.

Mbappe has amassed 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 matches for the capital giants in all tournaments, winning five Ligue 1 titles, but he is yet to add a Champions League trophy to his silverware collection.

With PSG allegedly asking for as much as €200m (£172.8m) to let Mbappe leave this summer, his options for a move away are limited, although a surprise loan switch to either Chelsea or Liverpool has been mooted.

Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal are thought to have had a bid of €300m (£259.1m) for the striker accepted by PSG, but Mbappe refused to enter talks with the Middle Eastern outfit.