Nasser Al-Khelaifi On Kylian Mbappe: "We Cannot Let The Best Player In The World Right Now Leave For Free"

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has insisted that Kylian Mbappe must extend his contract if he wishes to stay at the club for the 2023/24 season.

Mbappe's current contract, signed last summer, has just under 12 months left to run on it. The deal includes an option for the player to extend it until June 2025.

But Mbappe informed the club earlier this year that he does not intend to exercise that option.

However, Mbappe is also said to have told PSG bosses that he wishes to stay at the club for the remainder of his contract.

Were Mbappe to stay in Paris and not extend his contract then he would become available for a free transfer next summer.

Al-Khelaifi is adamant that this will not happen.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi pictured (left) with Kylian Mbappe after the striker signed a new contract last summer

IMAGO/HMB-Media/Antonio Borga

"Our position is very clear," said Al-Khelaifi on Wednesday at a press conference set up to welcome new manager Luis Enrique.

"If Kylian Mbappe wants to stay - and we want him to stay - he needs to sign a new contract.

"We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible."

Al Khelaifi later told Le Parisien: "Kylian Mbappe he has to decide next week or in two weeks. No more than this.

"If he does not want to sign a new contract, the door is open.

"No one is bigger than the club, no player, not even me. It's very clear."

Mbappe came close to leaving the Parc des Princes on a free transfer last summer when his previous contract was due to expire.

The France captain even reached an agreement in principle with Real Madrid, only to later accept a new deal with PSG.

Mbappe reportedly received a €150 million signing-on fee from PSG in addition to the highest salary in the history of French football.

Mbappe spoke at a press conference in May 2022 after he decided to stay at PSG instead of joining Real Madrid

IMAGO/Xinhua/Gao Jing

Explaining why he decided to stay at PSG instead of moving to Madrid, Mbappe said last summer: "Leaving my country isn't the right thing. There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country.

"The ongoing project has changed as well. That has made me want to stay here because I don't think my story is over yet.

"That goes for me collectively and individually. I think there are many more wonderful chapters to write."

Real Madrid are said to be closely monitoring Mbappe's situation and are strong favorites to sign him if and when he leaves Paris.