Kylian Mbappe refuses 'any discussion' with Al Hilal over world-record €300m transfer


Steve Luckings
  • English
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Kylian Mbappe refused to meet with Al Hilal officials in Paris on Wednesday over a proposed world-record €300 million ($333 million) transfer, according to a report.

Representatives of the Saudi Pro League side were in Paris to finalise a deal for the transfer of Brazilian Malcom from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

While in the French capital, the delegation attempted to meet with Mbappe to present their proposal after being given permission by his club Paris Saint-Germain.

But the French striker refused "any discussion with the representatives of the Al Hilal club, present in Paris this Wednesday."

"This approach will not succeed," added L'Equipe because the entourage of the 24-year-old player "refused any discussions with the representatives of the Saudi club".

"The captain of Les Bleus has never considered this option," the report added.

Mbappe has one year left on his contract with PSG, who want him to leave now rather than for nothing next summer or sign a new contract at Parc des Princes.

Mbappe has said he intends to see out the final months of his deal with the French champions.

It is understood Mbappe's preference is to then join Real Madrid next summer on a free transfer, in which he would be guaranteed a huge signing on bonus as no transfer fee would be involved.

It would seem, at this point at least, that Mbappe has no intention of joining compatriots Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante in Saudi Arabia.

  • Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Lens at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, April 15, 2023. AFP
    Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Lens at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, April 15, 2023. AFP
  • Lens' Kevin Danso, left, and PSG's Kylian Mbappe fight for the ball in Paris on Saturday. AP
    Lens' Kevin Danso, left, and PSG's Kylian Mbappe fight for the ball in Paris on Saturday. AP
  • PSG's Kylian Mbappe speaks with manager Christophe Galtier> AFP
    PSG's Kylian Mbappe speaks with manager Christophe Galtier> AFP
  • Kylian Mbappe helps Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba get up. AFP
    Kylian Mbappe helps Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba get up. AFP
  • Kylian Mbappe after scoring against Lens. AFP
    Kylian Mbappe after scoring against Lens. AFP
  • Kylian Mbappe is congratulated by Achraf Hakimi, left. AFP
    Kylian Mbappe is congratulated by Achraf Hakimi, left. AFP
  • Lionel Messi after scoring his team's third goal. AFP
    Lionel Messi after scoring his team's third goal. AFP
  • PSG's Lionel Messi scores his side's third goal. AP
    PSG's Lionel Messi scores his side's third goal. AP

The standoff between Mbappe and PSG reached a new peak last weekend when they dropped him from their squad to tour Japan and South Korea.

PSG played out a 0-0 draw against Al Nassr in Osaka on Tuesday, with the Saudi side fielding their own high-profile imports of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana.

There have been suggestions that Mbappe would not be selected for an entire year if he fails to find a solution with PSG.

Mbappe, the club's all-time top scorer with 212 goals in 260 appearances, remains the second most expensive player in history behind his PSG teammate Neymar.

He was still a teenager when he joined PSG on a season-long loan from Monaco in August 2017. The move turned into a permanent transfer the following year in a €180 million deal.

The third member of PSG's superstar trio, Lionel Messi, left at the end of last season to join MLS franchise Inter Miami.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs majority owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

They have already signed central defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and Ruben Neves from Wolves this summer.

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When: October 17 until November 10

Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration

Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center

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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

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Updated: August 16, 2023, 7:56 AM