Real Madrid Seal Mbappé Signing After Long Pursuit

French superstar Kylian Mbappé is finally set to be unveiled as a Real Madrid player this week, ending a seven-year pursuit by the Spanish giants.

Mbappé confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain last month after seven seasons, with his mother hinting at a move to a familiar destination.

Mbappé’s mother, Fayza Lamari, hinted at her son’s move to Madrid, although a formal announcement has yet to be made. Real Madrid had strategically decided to delay the public statement until the conclusion of their season. With their recent triumph in securing a record 15th Champions League title and France’s national team coach, Didier Deschamps, emphasizing the need to resolve his captain’s future before the Euros, the timing is now right for the announcement.

While the official presentation of Mbappé may not occur until mid-July due to France’s preparation for this summer’s tournament, Real Madrid is eager to finalise the deal. It remains uncertain whether Mbappé will also compete in the Olympics.

After the Champions League final, Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, remained tight-lipped about Mbappé’s arrival, avoiding any discussion about players not currently in the squad. However, midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Mbappé would “take us to the next level.”

Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid concludes a seven-year pursuit by the club, marking one of football’s worst-kept secrets. His departure from PSG, where he failed to secure a Champions League title, represents a significant loss for the French club, which had previously rejected a €200 million offer from Madrid in 2021. Instead, Mbappé will join the record winners of the European Cup.

Real Madrid will celebrate their recent Champions League victory with a trophy parade in the city on Sunday evening, culminating at the Santiago Bernabéu. Club president Florentino Pérez emphasised the club’s strong connection with the European Cup, stating, “This is a love story between Real Madrid and the European Cup. Some people leave and others come, but this competition is very much ours.”

As part of his new five-year contract at Real Madrid, Mbappé is expected to receive a signing-on bonus of just over £85 million (€100 million), paid in installments throughout his time at the club. His annual salary will be £12.8 million (€15 million) after tax, a significant pay cut from his final year at PSG, where he earned €75 million (£63.9 million) gross and a €30 million-a-year (£25.6 million) signing-on bonus.

Mbappé’s decision not to activate a one-year extension in his PSG contract has allowed him to move on a free transfer, just six years after costing the French club £166 million. His departure has freed up at least €220 million (£187.5 million) in gross costs for PSG.

Real Madrid’s long-term admiration for Mbappé has finally paid off, bringing one of the world’s most talented forwards to the Santiago Bernabéu. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see how this move will shape the future of both Mbappé and Real Madrid.

Mimi Mefo Info

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