Kylian Mbappé has decided to join Real Madrid once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The news was first published by Le Parisien.
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Last month, ESPN reported that Madrid had offered Mbappé a contract and, according to a source, he is expected to announce his decision to join the 14-time European champions next week.
Mbappé, 25, has not yet informed PSG or Real Madrid, sources said, but his decision has already been made.
His desire to be able to play for France at the home Olympics in the summer will be an important part of the negotiations with Madrid.
And, given Mbappé's previous U-turn on a move to the Bernabeu in 2022, there is always the chance he could change his mind until both sides sign the deal. However, his move to Madrid finally looks set to become a reality this summer.
A source told ESPN that PSG offered Mbappé a salary increase of 72 million euros ($77.8 million) gross, but their proposal was rejected by the French international. Sources consulted by ESPN said that by choosing to leave the club as a free agent, Mbappé will choose not to receive bonuses that are around 100 million euros.
His salary at Madrid, according to a source, is expected to be half of what he currently earns at PSG.
The France captain, who grew up idolizing Bernabeu legends Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, has always dreamed of playing for Madrid and, according to a source, feels it is the right time in his career to move to the Spanish capital.
Sources told ESPN that PSG had two scenarios prepared for their future plans: one that involved Mbappé staying at the club and another that did not. However, according to sources, there has been a feeling in the club for a few weeks that he would leave.
Now that his future is decided, PSG will follow their Plan B and, according to sources, have identified AC Milan's Rafael Leão as a replacement for Mbappé.
