Saudi Soccer Dominance could still take ‘Decades’ Despite Reported $332 million Mbappé bid

 Saudi Arabian soccer club Al-Hilal reportedly tabled a world record 300 million euro ($331.9 million) bid for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé, a further signal of the kingdom’s efforts to shake up the sport’s global order.

The 24-year-old captain of the French national team has one year left on his contract, but has declined an extension and been cut from Qatar-owned PSG’s pre-season fixtures.

Mbappé has long been rumored to favor a move to Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants would rather wait until they can sign him for free at the end of his contract next summer.

Saudi club Al-Hilal, one of the clubs owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund, have therefore reportedly swooped in to offer the superstar a one-year contract worth up to 700 million euros, comprising a 200 million euro annual salary along with major commercial arrangements and image rights.

He would still then be free to sign for Real in the summer of 2024.

Along with acquiring a majority stake in English Premier League club Newcastle United, the PIF recently took control of four of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs — Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli — all of which have attracted a deluge of talent from Europe’s most prestigious leagues this summer with massive wage offers.

Al-Nassr made global headlines late last year with the signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the twilight of his career, but the Saudi Pro League is increasingly drawing players who are at or near their prime years from some of Europe’s top clubs. Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and Manchester United full-back Alex Telles recently joined Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

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