PSG sporting director Leonardo has stated that the club will do everything to keep Kylian Mbappe despite intrest from Real Madrid.
Paris Saint Germain sporting director Leonardo has stated that the French club will do everything to keep forward Kylian Mbappe.
The France international has been a long term target for Spanish giant Real Madrid as the Spanish club seek to secure the signature of the French international.
Mbappe is yet to extend his contract with Paris Saint Germain and will become a free agent if he doesn’t sign.
Speaking about Mbappe staying option Leonardo said: “We have a possibility. As long as there is no signature [with another club], we will try everything, we will do everything possible to retain him.”
Leonardo also denied recent reports the club had offered Mbappe a two-year contract extension that would see him earn around €50 million a season in addition to a €200m loyalty bonus.
“It is not true,” Leonardo said. “We have not sent a specific offer. There is an important element: I think the last thing we will put into this contract will be money…It’s not about that [money]. Kylian has such a great value that I believe that is secondary. I think that to put a figure he will take two minutes.
Instead, PSG’s focus is on convincing Mbappe that PSG is the right club for him to succeed.
“We want to put him in the best conditions to be the best possible player,” Leonardo said, before referring to PSG’s ownership
“What Qatar has done in the last 10 years has placed PSG among the greats. Today, the club is a reality. He [Mbappe] is loved, admired and respected.
“Kylian is the best in the world right now. [PSG’s Lionel] Messi has always been at this level, and I believe he continues to be, but it’s normal that others arrive…It’s not a case of judging who is best. One is 23 years old, and the other is 34.”
Leonardo added that there is “harmony and respect” between Messi, Neymar and Mbappe.
Meanwhile, Leonardo has denied the reports that PSG will make a coaching change at the end of the season.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been linked with PSG as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, who is a reported target of Manchester United.
“Honestly, we haven’t thought about a coaching change,” Leonardo said. “Truthfully.
“He [Pochettino] has a year left on his contract [until June 2023].
“We’ve never contacted Zidane or anyone else. Before he (Pochettino) came here, Pochettino was among the best five coaches, and he still is. “He’s never asked to leave.”
