PSG’s summer transfer window in turmoil due to Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé

After a whirlwind month of June in the transfer market, it’s all gone quiet at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their pre-season trip to Japan on Saturday 22 July. The Ligue 1 champions have made six summer signings to date, spending more than €100 million while making only €22 million on player sales. And until the future of Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé has been resolved, which doesn’t look as if it will be any time soon, new head coach Luis Enrique will be unable to put his stamp on his roster.

Mbappé stands firm on PSG future

In an ideal world, PSG would be far from finished doing business. But before they make any more moves, they need to know whether Mbappé is staying or going. They arguably already have their answer, though, despite the club’s Qatari owners, led by president Nasser Al Khelaïf, putting pressure on the France captain to make up his mind. On 13 June, the attacker revealed his intention not to extend his contract beyond summer 2024 and to see out the final year of his deal.

Al Khelaïfi gave his star player an ultimatum that expired on 15 July, which has now been pushed back to 31 July. The Qatari knows that there is no chance of the two parties meeting halfway: if he still hasn’t signed a new contract by the end of this month, PSG will (try to) sell him. But the club have already tried that tactic, hence the new “deadline”, and they don’t have the power to force him out, with Mbappé still under contract for a year. The 24-year-old holds all the cards.

Bernardo Silva move on hold

PSG have already brought in defenders Lucas Hernández and Milan Skriniar, midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Cher Ndour, and attackers Marco Asensio and Lee Kang-In. But until Mbappé's future is resolved, their move for Manchester City star Bernando Silva, sporting director Luis Campos’ number one target, will remain on hold. The Portuguese schemer has yet to sign the new contract he has reportedly been offered to stay at the Etihad, but PSG are unable to commit to spending the €70 million it would take to sign him due to Financial Fair Play regulations.

Vlahovic and Kane targeted as Mbappé replacements

Whether Mbappé stays or goes could also affect the club’s ability to sign a new striker. The Parisians have agreed a deal in principle with Dusan Vlahovic, but Juventus are looking for €80 million for the Serbian attacker. Harry Kane, out of contract at Tottenham Hotspur in 2024, was their first choice but the Premier League side have proved to be tough negotiators and the England captain is thought to prefer a move to Bayern Munich in any case. PSG expect to receive €200 million, enough for two top-class signings, if they sell Mbappé but are unable to act without that money coming in.

PSG cornered by Mbappé

If the club did manage to negotiate the player’s departure, it remains to be see how he himself would react. Mbappé has so far refused to take the bait set by Al Khelaïfi and is expected to fly out to Japan with the rest of his teammates on Saturday. It’s already been a long summer for Paris Saint-Germain and, with the club completely cornered, it looks set to get even longer.