Paris Saint-Germain are ready to sell Kylian Mbappe this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months' time after their star striker told the club he would not extend his contract, according to various media reports.
Mbappe, whose current contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, has the option to extend for another year, and the France international has a July 31 deadline to inform PSG of his decision to renew.
However, Mbappe has reportedly told the club by letter that he does not plan to activate the one-year extension, nor sign a new longer-term deal, leaving the French giants vulnerable to losing one of the most valuable footballers in the world for nothing this time next year.
Mbappe appeared close to leaving PSG last summer when he reportedly had a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid, before opting to stay in Paris and signing a new contract. Now, 12 months on, the 24-year-old forward looks set to be embroiled in another transfer saga, with PSG reportedly adamant they are prepared to sell if they are not given assurances over his future.
Should PSG decide selling Mbappe is their best option, Real are once again expected to lead the race for his signature as the Spanish giants seek to fill the void left in attack by the departure of Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema to Saudi champions Al Ittihad.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is thought to be a top target for Real, while the England captain has also been linked with a move to PSG, who could look to Kane if Mbappe leaves.
Mbappe has been a star for PSG since joining the club from Monaco on an initial season-long loan in 2017, before the move was made permanent the following year for €180 million, making the then 19-year-old the most expensive teenager in history.
Mbappe is PSG's all-time leading goalscorer with 212 goals in 260 games and finished as Ligue 1's top scorer in each of the last six seasons, winning five league titles and three French Cups.
He has also been a key player for France, scoring 38 goals in 68 international appearances and helping his nation win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Mbappe then scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final as France were beaten on penalties by Argentina.
If Mbappe does leave PSG this summer, it would see the break up of the club's famed attacking trio after Lionel Messi announced he would be leaving when his contract expires at the end of this month to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Neymar could also be heading for the exit, with the Brazilian forward reportedly attracting big-money offers from Saudi Arabia.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
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