PARIS – The ongoing contract dispute between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and French superstar Kylian Mbappe has taken a new turn as Mbappe was reinstated in the team’s first squad after weeks of being sidelined.
PSG’s Ligue 1 title defense began with a goalless draw against Lorient on Saturday, with Mbappe watching from the stands.
In a statement, PSG confirmed, “After very constructive and positive discussions between Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappe before the PSG-Lorient match, the player was reinstated in first team training this morning.”
Mbappe’s contract situation has been a focal point throughout the summer, amid his refusal to sign an extension.
His current deal with PSG allows him to leave for free next year, and Real Madrid has been widely regarded as his preferred destination.
The French club, owned by Qatar, is eager to avoid losing him for free and is seeking a substantial transfer fee.
PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi emphasized, “If Kylian wants to stay, he must sign a new contract. We can’t let the best player in the world today leave for free. It’s impossible.”
Mbappe’s absence from first-team training and limited participation in pre-season games had raised concerns about his future with the club.
Despite being left out of the squad for the Lorient match, he extended a warm welcome to new signing Ousmane Dembele, posting on social media, “Welcome home my brother, so happy to see you here, the adventure begins.”
With his reinstatement, Mbappe is now available for selection for PSG’s upcoming fixtures, including the trip to Toulouse on August 19.
This move may signal a potential softening of PSG’s stance on Mbappe’s contract, given his significance to the team’s attacking prowess.
Mbappe’s presence and participation in training could provide a boost for PSG as they aim to defend their Ligue 1 title and make a strong showing in other competitions.
The star forward’s situation continues to be closely monitored by football fans and experts alike, eager to see how the contract dispute unfolds and whether a resolution can be reached between the player and the club.
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