France’s superstar Kylian Mbappé is missing on Saturday (9 p.m.) at the season opener of the French soccer champions Paris Saint-Germain against FC Lorient.
The 24-year-old was not called into the squad by new coach Luis Enrique, nor were Neymar and Marco Verratti. It has been rumbling between Mbappé and PSG for weeks. Because the exceptional kicker had declared that he did not want to change this summer. Since the 24-year-old has refused to extend his contract, which runs until 2024, there is a risk of a free transfer next summer.
In Paris, according to “L’Équipe”, the French international trains with the group of players with whom the club no longer plans for the new season. This should also include the 58-time German international Julian Draxler, who is also not there against Lorient.
As “L’Équipe” reported, PSG had made it clear that without selling the midfielder this summer, the club’s finances and the rules of financial fair play could not be met. Mbappé, who had already missed the preparatory trip to Japan and South Korea, had been traded several times as a potential newcomer to Real Madrid.
Neymar trains alone
Neymar trained alone the day before the game as he recovered from a viral infection, the club said. But according to media reports, PSG are no longer planning with the 31-year-old Brazilian. Accordingly, Enrique and sports director Luis Campos announced on Wednesday Neymar, Marco Verratti (30), Hugo Ekitike (21) and ex-Bayern professional Juan Bernat (30) that they no longer have a future with the champions. According to “L’Équipe”, Neymar’s contract in Paris, which should bring him 30 million a year, runs until 2027. However, Neymar’s father had denied a possible departure of his son.
Verratti, 30, who has played in PSG’s midfield for 11 years, has been linked with a move to the lucrative Saudi Arabian league. New PSG coach Luis Enrique had spoken to both Neymar and Verratti and said on Friday: “My decisions will clearly express my views.”