Kylian Mbappe is not a leader and PSG should sell star striker NOW, says club’s former sporting director
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Kylian Mbappe is not a leader and should be sold, claims the club’s former sporting director.
Leonardo served as the Ligue 1 side’s chief in two spells between 2011 and 2013 before returning in 2019 for three years.
He believes the club should get rid of Mbappe amid rumours he wants to quit on a free transfer next summer.
He told L’Equipe: “For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to go, no matter what.
“PSG existed before Mbappe and it will exist after him.
“He’s been in Paris for six years and over those six seasons, five different clubs have won the Champions League, none of which had Mbappe in their ranks.
“That means it’s entirely possible to win this competition without him.
“Through his behaviour in the last two years, Mbappe has shown that he’s not a player who’s capable of guiding a team yet.
“He’s a great player, but not a leader.
“He’s a great goalscorer, but he’s not a creative player. Building a team around him is difficult.”
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Leonardo was not with the Parisians during the time they signed Mbappe for £163million in 2018 or when he penned his current £500million contract.
The attacker’s contract runs until the summer of 2024 and there is an option for a one-year extension, which he was expected to trigger.
However, the star has informed PSG via a letter that he plans to run down his deal and leave for free.
The club are desperate not to lose him for nothing and handed him a brutal transfer ultimatum.
Mbappe slammed PSG in a recent interview, reportedly causing team-mates to complain.
Long-term admirers Real Madrid are heavily linked with signing him.
Meanwhile, speculation suggests Manchester United and Arsenal could also be his next destination.
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