Kylian Mbappe declines Saudi meeting to discuss record $333 million transfer

Jack Dutton

Jul 27, 2023

France's forward Kylian Mbappe kicks the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 group B qualification football match between France and Greece at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, in the northern outskirts of Paris, on June 19, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) — France's forward Kylian Mbappe kicks the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 group B qualification football match between France and Greece at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, in the northern outskirts of Paris, on June 19, 2023. — FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

French forward Kylian Mbappe refused to meet executives from Saudi soccer club Al-Hilal in Paris on Wednesday after the team proposed a world-record 300 million-euro ($333 million) transfer, according to a report.

Al-Hilal officials were in the French capital to finalize the deal for the transfer of Brazilian striker Malcom from Zenit Saint Petersburg. However, Mbappe refused to discuss a transfer with the Saudi Pro League side from his current side Paris Saint-German, French sports newspaper L’Equipe reported.

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

Sky News reported Thursday that PSG insiders believe the 24-year-old is refusing to speak to the Saudi team because he has already agreed to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires. It is understood that Mbappe would benefit from a 160 million-euro ($178.16 million) signing fee if moved to the Spanish team in summer 2024, when the contract ends.