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Sunday, August 13, 2023

Mbappé returns to PSG squad; Neymar move to Al-Hilal progressing

“Kylian is committed to PSG. Kylian is back”, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi said in front of the squad on Sunday afternoon.

• August 13, 2023
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe [Photo credit: Eurosport]

Several weeks after being banished from the first team over a transfer saga, the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy reinstated Kylian Mbappe into the squad.

“Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappé before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into the first team training squad this morning,” the club statement said.

PSG and Mbappe have been at loggerheads over the future of the French forward, whose contract expires next summer, but have refused to sign a contract extension, giving him the chance to leave for free next season.

However, PSG, unwilling to lose the player for free, gave him an ultimatum to either sign or be sold – and he was dropped from the pre-season squad and forced to train with ‘out of project’ players when he insisted on not extending his contract.

Consequently, the 24-year-old was left out of the goalless draw against Lorient in their season opener on Saturday, but the club, who believed the player has an agreement to join Real Madrid for free next season, changed their stance.

“Kylian is committed to PSG. Kylian is back”, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi said in front of the squad on Sunday afternoon.

Neymar to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have submitted a “huge” bid to PSG to sign Neymar after the Brazilian told the club of his intention to leave this summer days ago, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The report said negotiations are underway and progressing to crucial stages with all parties involved, including the player, who is reportedly tempted by the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia.

Neymar has also been linked to a move back to Barcelona, but a deal to sign the 31-year-old is not considered feasible due to the financial constraints of the Spanish club.

Al-Hilal had a record €300 million bid to sign Mbappé accepted by PSG two weeks ago. However, the player, whose only priority is to stay in France this season and move to Real Madrid next summer, refused to negotiate with the club.

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