Mbappé delivers challenge to PSG hierarchy with Real Madrid ‘lies’ claim

Striker says he is ‘very happy’ and will stay next seasonBut PSG may lose player on free transfer in summer 2024

Kylian Mbappé will leave Paris Saint-Germain next summer but not before – if Kylian Mbappé is to be believed. Within an hour of his camp releasing a statement announcing he had no intention of continuing at the club beyond the end of his contract, which expires in 2024, the France striker responded to reports that he wants to join Real Madrid immediately by dismissing them as “LIES” and insisting: “I have already said that I will continue at PSG next season where I am very happy.”

Mbappé’s statement comes as a direct challenge to the PSG hierarchy, who are determined not to lose the him for free in a year’s time, as a standoff develops, the first step in a long summer. Madrid had initially planned to move for Mbappé in 2024 but would be prepared to bid now if he is put on the market, particularly after the departure of Karim Benzema 12 months ahead of schedule. The Spanish club, though, remain reluctant to be drawn into another battle having failed with a €200m (£171m) bid to sign him in 2021 and again in 2022 as his contract was coming to an end, when they believed he would join them on a free transfer.