Brazilian Leonardo, the sporting director of French club Paris Saint-Germain, announced that the club rejected an offer from Real Madrid to acquire striker Kylian Mbappe this summer because it was "unsuitable." Spanish and French media reported on Tuesday that Real Madrid made an offer worth 160 million euros for Mbappe.
Leonardo confirmed that Mbappe wishes to leave Paris Saint-Germain, but the French team will only agree to let him go on its terms. In a press conference on Wednesday, Leonardo stated, "Paris Saint-Germain's position has always been to keep Kylian, renewing him for two years was the goal and remains so. We made him a very significant offer two months ago, but to me, this seems like Real Madrid's strategy."
He referred to Real Madrid's offer by saying, "We consider the offer insufficient; I will not confirm the figures but it amounts to around 160 million, which is less than what we paid for him. It was 180 million plus bonuses, and this offer is less than that. It's the manner in which it was done, disrespectful. We have done everything for Mbappe to stay with us, and in one week we will not change our plan. Kylian is central to the project, but he is not above it; if he stays or leaves, it will always be on our terms. If he wants to leave, he will leave, but on our terms, like any other player."
Regarding the response to the offer, he said, "We told Madrid verbally no, and we haven't received another offer from them. We never wanted him to leave and never imagined that he would. We made him a very significant offer and a second major offer to renew; he gave his word that he wouldn't leave Paris Saint-Germain for free, but the strategy seems ultimately that he would leave for free. We have seen much information that they have no money and that there are debts in Madrid; I cannot confirm that, but it’s what I know."
The Brazilian continued, "If someone wants to leave, no one will destroy our dream; the club will protect itself, that's what I do. We do not negotiate through the press; if Madrid uses the press to negotiate, then that’s not our case. I don't know what Madrid thinks, but they know they have to pay Monaco (there is talk of 35 million dollars)."
He noted, "There has been a global strategy for two years to reach this moment and make an offer in a week at the end of the market knowing we wouldn't accept. Then they would say, 'Well, we tried, and they didn't want it, and we will have the right to sign him free.' Kylian has always made it clear that he wouldn't leave."
He continued discussing Mbappe: "I have always said that he will not be released. We have talked extensively with Mbappe, his parents, and his circle; we have come a long way with him. We never opened the door for him, but we did before the search. I know people say I want to sell, but Nasser and I have the same opinion."
On Mbappe's request to leave, he said: "Doesn’t that look like it? Why did Madrid make an offer then? If he told us he wants to leave? You know me well, internal matters are internal; I don’t want him to leave, and there are many things that remain inside."
He added regarding the possibility of leaving for free next summer: "Our goal is to renew him and keep him under our conditions; this is not only for Kylian but for all players. I think our stance is very clear."
On the promise of releasing Mbappe, he questioned, "How can we do that, a promise like that, what does that mean? The Spanish press knows more than anyone else, more than me. Madrid has used him and talked about Kylian without shame; it is very disrespectful and illegal."
Asked if leaving next summer would be a betrayal, he replied, "Our goal is for him to stay and renew; Real Madrid made an offer, and Mbappe has always promised he wouldn’t leave the club free. We'll see in a year."
He commented on the possibility of another offer on August 29: "For the 29th, there are four days left; it’s eternal, but that’s not important."
Regarding his replacement plan in case Mbappe leaves, he said: "No, there is no Plan B; the atmosphere we are living in is extremely positive, the excitement around the world, and we never thought of a plan without Mbappe."
Leonardo concluded his remarks by saying: "I think we have talked enough, and you know PSG's position and have seen Real Madrid's position, a lack of respect that is incorrect, illegal, and unacceptable to make an offer they know is insufficient, while we have always wanted to keep Kylian."
Mbappe, who is 22 years old, has a contract with Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2022 and wishes to move to Real Madrid, despite his club signing several stars, including Argentine Lionel Messi and Spanish Sergio Ramos.
