Real Madrid have announced the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer after the France captain left Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old, who is PSG’s record goalscorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, has signed a five-year contract at the Bernabeu worth €15m (£12.8m) a year after tax.
He will receive a signing bonus of just over £85m from Real, who will pay the fee in installments over the course of the contract.
The 2018 World Cup winners join just two days after Carlo Ancelotti’s side won their 15th Champions League title for a second time, having also been crowned LaLiga champions.
A one-line statement from the European champions announcing Mbappe’s arrival said: “Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.”
The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Mbappe and are trying to sign him in 2022, but the striker is committed to a new two-year deal at the Parc des Princes.
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Kylian Mbappe has appeared to tell French president Emmanuel Macron that a move to Real Madrid is imminent
But Mbappe refused to activate a one-year extension on his PSG contract that would have allowed him to move on a free transfer this summer, just six years after the French club paid £166m from Monaco.
Mbappe’s departure, which was announced last month, has freed up at least €220m (£187.5m) in gross fees to PSG.
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PSG forward Kylian Mbappe has released an announcement video in which the Frenchman announced that he will be leaving the club in the summer.
View from Spain: Mbappe to Real is inevitable
Spanish football journalist Semra Hunter:
“There is a collective sigh of relief that it is finally over. They are finally coming together and hopefully it will be a harmonious union between Mbappe and Real Madrid.
“This saga has rumbled on for so long now that every summer it’s all about: ‘Here we go again, is this the last summer to come?’
“Everyone knows that Mbappe will come to Real Madrid, that’s for sure.
“Real Madrid have been trying for years, even starting at the age of 11 when he went to the club to try out with the U12 team. He decided not to stay because his parents thought it would be better to stay in France. to grow and develop.
“In 2017, it was the first time they signed for him when he was in Monaco. It didn’t work because PSG came in and hijacked the deal. It’s been seven years. It’s happening this time.
“But there are also concerns about this deal because there is a big blow in 2022, when Real thought he would come, but they decided to reject him and stay in Paris.
“This has left many Madridistas heartbroken, disappointed and angry – even people at the club as well.”
Where will Mbappe fit into Real Madrid’s squad?
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Spanish football journalist Semra Hunter explains how Kylian Mbappe could fit into Real Madrid’s line-up
Spanish football journalist Semra Hunter:
“In the end it will depend on what Carlo Ancelotti wants from a tactical point of view.
“Yes, there are different orders, but of course you will go with the best player available.
“Let’s work on the premise that Ancelotti will stick with 4-4-2 next season, with Jude Bellingham at the top of the central diamond, although Bellingham can do whatever he wants on the pitch.
“This means that Vinicius and Mbappe can start two attacks, as Vinicius and Rodrygo have done this season.
“Vinicius has really made the left his own. It’s his best position. Rodrygo is more flexible tactically – he can play on the right, left or as a number 10.
“So there are many options. He can play 4-3-3, Mbappe in the middle and Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings. But that means he has to sacrifice a midfielder and he is stacked in that area. I don’t want that to happen.”
At 2024 summer transfer window The Premier League officially opens on Friday 14 June – the same day as Euro 2024 kicks off.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time.
The Premier League has extended Deadline Day to link up with other major leagues in Europe. The closing date was set after discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
