In the wake of Christophe Galtier's dismissal and the appointment of Luis Enrique as the new manager of Paris St-Germain, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi made it clear that star striker Kylian Mbappe must commit to a fresh contract if he wishes to continue with the team.
Speaking at a press conference to introduce Luis Enrique, Al-Khelaifi addressed Mbappe's contract situation. The 24-year-old French forward has already informed PSG that he has no intention of extending his contract beyond 2024.
"Our stance is crystal clear," emphasized Al-Khelaifi. "If Kylian Mbappe wants to stay - and we certainly want him to stay - he needs to put pen to paper on a new contract. We cannot allow the current world's best player to depart for free. That is simply not feasible."
Mbappe's existing deal includes the option for an additional year, but he has indicated that while he plans to remain with the French champions for the 2023-24 season, he does not intend to exercise the contract extension. If this holds true, he would be free to leave on a free transfer next summer.
"This is a French club, and as he himself has stated, he has no intention of leaving for free," added Al-Khelaifi. "If someone has had a change of heart, it is not our fault."
Mbappe, who initially joined PSG on loan from Monaco in 2017 before completing a €180 million (£165.7 million) permanent transfer, has been a prolific goal-scorer for the club, netting 212 goals in 260 appearances. He has claimed the Ligue 1 top scorer title for the past five seasons and has secured five league titles during his six-year tenure with PSG.
Al-Khelaifi introduced Luis Enrique at the beginning of the press conference, and it was after the Spaniard's address to the media that he made his comments regarding Mbappe. Luis Enrique, formerly the manager of Spain and Barcelona, has signed a two-year contract with PSG following Galtier's departure. Galtier, despite winning the Ligue 1 title in his sole season in charge, was relieved of his duties.
This marks Luis Enrique's first managerial role since stepping down as Spain manager in December after their defeat to Morocco in the World Cup last 16. His most recent club management position was at Barcelona, where he achieved remarkable success, securing nine trophies in three seasons from 2014 to 2017, including a historic treble of the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey in his debut campaign.
Having subsequently taken over the reins from Fernando Hierro as Spain manager in 2018, Luis Enrique guided his national team to the final of the Nations League and the semi-finals of the European Championship in 2021.
Luis Enrique now assumes leadership of a PSG squad undergoing a period of transition.
