Why Kylian Mbappe didn't play in PSG vs Al Nassr pre-season friendly | OneFootball

The summer of Kylian Mbappe.

Transfer rumour mills across Europe have been dominated by the Frenchman with the superstar's future understandably proving a significant source of discussion. It was made clear earlier this summer that Mbappe would not extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain with it expiring next year.

PSG now want him off their books so they can garner a fee, and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have made a world-record bid for him.

Nevertheless, it's not all about Mbappe in the French capital. Luis Enrique is now at the helm, and their pre-season is getting underway ahead of what's bound to be a remarkably intriguing 2023/24 season. Their tour of Asia kicked off on Tuesday against Al Nassr, but Mbappe did not feature.

When are PSG playing Al Nassr?

The French champions took on Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Osaka, Japan on Tuesday as part of their pre-season tour.

While several stars weren't in action, the likes of Neymar, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Marco Verratti featured alongside new arrivals Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar and Manuel Ugarte. Mbappe's younger brother, Ethan, even made an appearance.

After taking on the Saudi Pro League side, PSG then face Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka and Champions League finalists Inter.

Why didn't Kylian Mbappe play for PSG against Al Nassr?

Mbappe was omitted from PSG's travelling squad for their tour to the Far East with the club intent on resolving his future as soon as possible. The two parties are hardly on the best of terms following recent revelations surrounding the player's contract, with the French club hopeful they can find a buyer in this transfer window.

However, clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, will find it difficult financing a move for the superstar forward.

Mbappe featured and scored in PSG's opening pre-season encounter of the summer against Le Havre on 21 July, but it was decided soon after that he'd remain in the French capital while the rest of Enrique's squad toured the Pacific.

Is Kylian Mbappe moving to Saudi Arabia this summer?

A move to Real Madrid has long appeared inevitable, but Al Hilal threw a major spanner in the works when they submitted a world-record £259m bid to sign Mbappe this summer. Reports also suggest the Saudi club are willing to offer the Frenchman a monstrous €700m salary.

However, while PSG have accepted Al Hilal's proposal, there have been no talks with Mbappe yet and it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old will take his talents over to the Middle East, even if it is just for one year.