France waiting for Mbappe

The possible departure of Kylian Mbappe in June, announced by Le Parisien this Saturday, although without confirmation from Paris Saint-Germain, keeps French football on edge. In the midst of negotiations for television rights for the next five seasons, from 2024 to 2029, the departure of the championship’s best player could lead to total economic difficulties for the LFP, whose target at the beginning of September was to reach 1 billion euros. between national and international rights.

The possible departure of the France captain from PSG could reduce the total TV offer by 20%, as the player pays 140 million euros just to stay in Paris. in television concepts of the French League. Ligue 1 broadcasting already suffered a major setback in 2020 when Mediapro, having committed to paying a historic €800 million per season, announced it was terminating the agreement due to losses incurred due to the coronavirus pandemic. .

Over the past few hours, BeIN Sports, led by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has positioned itself as one of the favorites to secure Ligue 1 television rights for the next five seasons. LFP President Vincent Labrune made the first offer in September, priced at 1 billion euros for national and international rights, facing refusal from all parties unwilling to pay the said amount without guaranteeing Mbappe’s presence.. Canal+, which held the rights for more than two decades, withdrew its bid, unexpectedly declaring that “rugby is more interesting than football” for its customers.

French football already suffered a major setback last year after Ligue 1 mainstays Neymar, Messi, Sergio Ramos and Verratti left Paris Saint-Germain. Without Mbappe, France will be left an orphan of the only asset it has to continue attracting television clients, with interest in the championship since Qatar touched down in Paris in 2011. It is shortened due to the lack of teams capable of opposing the Parisian team.

Both the LFP and the whole of French football are very attentive to the future. Kylian Mbappe, whose departure has not been confirmed, but more and more media outlets, including Le Parisien, which is very close to PSG, are saying that he will not sign a contract extension.. Thus, Ligue 1 risks significantly reducing the value of its rights. And all this, in addition, thanks to the investment fund CVC, which holds 13% of Ligue 1’s operating income, increasing its participation in them every year.

Mbappe has not yet announced his decision, but the most likely scenario, according to various players in France, is that he could do so before the match against Real Sociedad, which starts on February 14.. Ligue 1 without the Frenchman would lose the greatest asset it has had this century, as well as a player who brings incalculable benefits to French football and who is waiting to find out where the Les Blais captain will play next season.

“They told me that Mbappe broke up with Real Madrid”

Laure Boullot, a former PSG player and France national team player, current PSG ambassador and working in the French club’s media, spoke yesterday at Football club channelabout Mbappe’s future, implying that inside the club he was told that he would move to the white team: “We feel like we’ve already seen this soap opera. In previous years I did not receive much information, but now I have been told that his contract with Madrid is completed. I tell myself that there is a possibility that I will renew my contract. At the same time, I would be happy for him if he left. I understand your position that you cannot say this. He has goals that are yet to be achieved. I think he also loves his club and is respected. Let’s wait for their decision when they become adults,” the ambassador said, making it clear that Mbappe had already decided to go to Madrid.

Premiere considers two options

English newspaper The Independent reports that Madrid and Mbappe do not have a signed agreement and that the player’s entourage is evaluating all possible options, including Premier League options. “Possible moves to Liverpool or Arsenal are being explored, but neither are willing to disrupt their salary structure to opt for him.– the publication reports. “The general feeling is that Mbappe himself decided that it was finally time to move on, but neither the player nor those around him liked Madrid’s offer,” he concludes.