PSG withholds Kylian Mbappe's salary as Real Madrid transfer looms

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has not paid Kylian Mbappe his salary for the past two months, highlighting escalating tensions as the star player prepares to join Real Madrid.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that PSG's decision stems from doubts that Mbappe will fulfill a previous commitment to "economically protect" the club regarding his free transfer exit.

The club is also withholding a bonus payment, as those briefed on the matter explained that an "agreement in principle" existed, where Mbappe and his representatives would "financially compensate" PSG if he left for free after his contract expired on June 30.

This arrangement, described as "complex," involved various scenarios, including the France captain waiving certain loyalty bonuses. Mbappe has mentioned the importance of "all parties being protected" when he departs.

Despite ongoing discussions since Mbappe's confirmed move to Champions League winners Real Madrid, PSG's decision to withhold his salary indicates little progress.

The Athletic has reached out to Mbappe’s representatives for comment.

In May, Mbappe announced his decision to leave PSG, where he scored 256 goals, stating he needed "a new challenge after seven years."

Previously, in 2022, Real Madrid attempted to sign Mbappe as his contract with PSG neared expiration.

Instead, Mbappe renewed his contract, which included a clause for a 12-month extension into the 2024-25 season, only triggerable by Mbappe himself.

In February, Mbappe informed PSG he would not activate the optional additional year, meaning he would leave as a free agent at season's end.

He later confirmed his decision to his teammates and head coach Luis Enrique, with Real Madrid announcing the move on June 3.

At a France press conference the next day, Mbappe expressed feeling "happy, liberated and relieved" to join Real Madrid after a challenging season at PSG.

He recounted, “I was told (that I won’t be playing for PSG), it was made clear to me, I was told through the media, it was told to my face. It was very clear. I was spoken to violently, I was told. So it was clear to me that I wasn’t going to play.

“Luis Enrique and Luis Campos saved me. Without them, I’d never have set foot on the pitch. That’s the strict truth, and that’s why I’ve always been so grateful to the coach and the sporting director.”

Currently competing in the European Championship, Mbappe sustained a broken nose in France’s 1-0 victory over Austria on Monday.

He is expected to be presented as a Real Madrid player on July 16.