The €1 billion deal for one year of Kylian Mbappe paid by Saudi Arabia appears to defy all conventional reasoning. The excessive focus on monetary value has become detached from any real meaning, evoking strong feelings of repulsion and obscenity. Morally, it is an atrocity, even without considering the ethical concerns about the source of the money. The staggering offer of €1 billion by Al Hilal to have Mbappe play for them for just a year is enough to make anyone feel sickened.
Although we may be overwhelmed with disgust and abhorrence, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: this situation should not come as a surprise. When we impartially assess Mbappe’s circumstances, relocating to Saudi Arabia for a year seems to be the most logical and pragmatic option.
To recap, Kylian Mbappe, widely recognized as one of the world’s top footballers, has expressed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain once his contract expires in 2024. His preferred destination is likely Real Madrid. However, PSG has taken a firm stance, offering him the choice to either sign a one-year contract extension or move on immediately.
Refusing both options would risk sidelining him for the entire upcoming season. On the other hand, Al Hilal, now under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ownership, has presented PSG with a jaw-dropping €1 billion deal, including a rumoured €770 million in wages, to secure Mbappe’s services for just one year.
This twisted and nauseating situation should have never emerged. Sadly, the current state of modern football, dominated by money and power, has made such outrageous offers hardly surprising.
