Paris Saint-Germain shattered the world record for the biggest transfer in soccer at the beginning of August, splashing €222 million ($264 million) on Brazilian attacker Neymar. This was more than double Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba, who previously held the title of world’s most expensive player. Just when we thought one crazy transfer was enough to make this summer exciting, PSG decided to shake the soccer world once again. The team has announced today that they have signed talented French striker Kylian Mbappe from Monaco.
Paris Saint-Germain are thrilled to announce the signing of Kylian Mbappé! 👊 #BienvenueKylian pic.twitter.com/dOLX2YpP7x
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 31, 2017
Although the details of the contract were not explicitly revealed, ESPN‘s sources say that the deal is worth €180 million ($214 million) plus bonuses. Mbappe will initially join PSG on a one-year loan deal with the obligation to buy. The only scenario in which PSG won’t be obligated to buy Mbappe is if they are relegated from Ligue 1.
It is believed that Paris Saint-Germain had to structure their deal for Mbappe like this so they wouldn’t hurt FFP (financial fair play) regulations. FFP only allow for a team to have €30 million ($35 million) deficit. Given the money they have spent on Neymar, the loan-to-buy deal allowed them to avoid sanctions that come with FFP violations like exclusion from Champions League and being banned from bringing new players to the club.
Kylian Mbappe established himself as one of the most promising young soccer players in the world before he even turned 18. Last season saw him scoring 26 goals in 44 appearances, with 6 of them coming in Champions League. Although Monaco was keen to hold onto him, it was almost inevitable for Mbappe to make a switch to another club given the number of clubs interested in him. For a long time, Real Madrid and Arsenal were mentioned as the most probable destination for the young star, but it looks the money of PSG had the final say.
