After failing to secure Lionel Messi, Al-Hilal, the Saudi Arabian soccer team, has set a new record with a staggering bid of 300 million euros ($332 million) for Kylian Mbappe. This substantial offer opens the possibility of the French striker joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the oil-rich gulf nation. Paris Saint-Germain has officially acknowledged the bid and authorized Al-Hilal to enter direct negotiations with Mbappe.
The 2018 World Cup winner is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with PSG, having decided against extending his deal by 12 months. Instead, he plans to become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, with many expecting him to join Real Madrid. In response to the stand-off, PSG has excluded Mbappe from their preseason tour of Japan and is determined to sell him unless he agrees to a new contract.
Saudi club Al-Hilal has offered a world-record package of 1 year, $1.1 billion for Kylian Mbappé. 5 U
— EAFRICAEXPERIENCE (@EAE_Africa) July 26, 2023
The deal includes a staggering $332 million transfer fee to
PSG and a jaw-dropping $776 million salary for one season.
PSG have accepted Al-Hilal's $332 million bid for Kylian… pic.twitter.com/D0bJhI8lng
Al-Hilal’s bid for Mbappe is a groundbreaking move that would make him the most expensive player in history, surpassing the $262 million that PSG paid for Neymar when they signed him from Barcelona in 2017.
This bid forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious endeavor to attract top-tier players to their league. Notable names like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Roberto Firmino have already made the switch to the lucrative Saudi league, following the path set by Cristiano Ronaldo, who inked a deal with Al-Nassr in December.
After leaving PSG, Messi declined Al-Hilal’s offer and instead opted to join the MLS team Inter Miami. A number of players have already made their way to Saudi Arabia, and more are expected to follow before the start of the upcoming season. Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez and Jordan Henderson have been linked to potential moves. Joining the ranks of stars heading to Saudi Arabia, Alex Telles completed his transfer from Manchester United to Al-Nassr.
The Brazilian international, who had a successful loan spell at Sevilla and won the Europa League, reunites with his former United teammate Ronaldo. Manchester United expressed gratitude to Telles for his contributions over the past three years and wished him success in his future endeavors. During this off-season, numerous players from Europe’s top leagues, including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Roberto Firmino, have made the move to Saudi Arabian clubs.
Saudi Arabia has been making significant investments in international sports, with high-profile ventures like Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, reportedly earning him up to $200 million annually. Additionally, Saudi-funded LIV Golf has made a strong impact in professional golf. These developments are part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to leverage its oil wealth to create job opportunities and prospects for the country’s young population.
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