How Signing Kylian Mbappe On 'Free Transfer' Could Cost $238.5 Million

On December 31, Kylian Mbappe will enter the final six months of his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

At this point, clubs outside of France will be able to hold talks directly with Mbappe and even sign a pre-contract agreement that would take effect next summer.

Real Madrid has long been seen as Mbappe's most likely destination but recent reports in Spain claim that interest has cooled slightly.

This could reopen the door to Liverpool - another of Mbappe's long-term admirers.

Should Mbappe reject a new deal with PSG and leave after his current contract expires on June 30 next year then he will move on a free transfer.

That just means that PSG will not receive a transfer fee. In reality, signing Mbappe would be far from 'free'.

Kylian Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain contract is due to expire at the end of June 2024

IMAGO/MAXPPP/Sebastien Muylaert

According to AS, Mbappe is demanding a signing-on fee in the region of €100m ($108.5m), as well as a salary of €35m ($38m) per year.

Mbappe's salary demands are reportedly what he wants after tax. Therefore, it would effectively cost his next club closer to €60m ($65m) per year to meet those demands.

The most recent contract signed by Mbappe with PSG was for two years.

So, let us suppose he will sign for two years if he joins either Real Madrid or Liverpool on a 'free transfer' next summer...

That would cost his new club around €220m ($238.5m) over the duration of the deal - plus bonuses, of course!