Mbappe shun PSG’s millions to guarantee exit in the summer

France's football sensation Kylian Mbappe has reportedly forgone "several tens of millions" of euros to smoothen a potential departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a source involved in the negotiations revealed.

Last summer, Mbappe allegedly relinquished bonuses amounting to approximately 60 to 70 million euros ($65.6 million to $76.6 million) as part of an agreement with PSG, effectively supporting the club financially in anticipation of his likely exit when his contract ends this June.

Since the transfer window opened on Monday, Mbappe has had the freedom to explore options and sign with any club of his choosing, prompting speculations about his next move.

Le Parisien highlighted an 80 million euro 'loyalty' bonus Mbappe was purportedly slated to receive last September, along with additional bonuses, cumulatively reaching 100 million euros. However, these figures were refuted by a source close to the negotiations.

In a statement following PSG's recent Champions Trophy victory, Mbappe expressed, "With the agreement I reached with the president this summer, whatever my decision, we managed to protect all parties and preserve the club’s peace of mind for the challenges to come - that’s the most important thing."

The arrangement safeguards PSG in case Mbappe departs without a transfer fee. His 2022 contract reportedly secured a substantial salary of 72 million euros annually, a signing bonus of 150 million euros, and escalating loyalty bonuses reaching up to 90 million euros by the third year.

Staying in Paris until June, without extending his contract beyond that, could have ensured a payment exceeding 200 million euros for Mbappe. However, without a transfer fee, he would likely seek compensation through a substantial signing-on fee from any club he might join during the summer transfer window.

There has been no immediate response from Mbappe’s entourage. Meantime, PSG also has chosen not to comment on the matter.