Transfer Centre

Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos confirm box-office deal

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 June 2024

Real Madrid confirm Kylian Mbappe arrival on a free transfer

Real Madrid confirm the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, with the France international penning a five-year contract at Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, with the France international penning a five-year contract at Bernabeu.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that a deal has been in place since February, with Mbappe running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Real Madrid had wanted to wait until after the 2024 Champions League final before announcing the acquisition of Mbappe, who has moved to the Spanish capital on a free transfer.

Los Blancos confirmed, via a statement on their official website, that Mbappe has agreed a contract until the summer of 2029.

"Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons," revealed the La Liga and European champions on Monday night.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal on March 5, 2024 © Reuters

Mbappe signs a contract with Real Madrid until June 2029

The France international will allegedly receive in excess of €100m (£85.2m) as a signing bonus, while he is also expected to become the best-paid player in the Spanish capital.

Mbappe scored 44 goals and registered 10 assists in 48 appearances for PSG during the 2023-24 campaign, while he has left the club having managed 256 goals and 108 assists in 308 appearances.

The forward will represent France at this summer's European Championship before linking up with Real Madrid for pre-season.

Mbappe will move to a club that won a La Liga and Champions League double during the 2023-24 campaign, with the European Cup secured courtesy of a 2-0 success over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"Nobody can understand how excited I am right now!" Mbappe posted on Instagram. "A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dreams."

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe on January 28, 2024 © Reuters

Mbappe's arrival could see Real Madrid change formation next season

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is widely expected to revert to a 4-3-3 formation next season, with Mbappe set to feature alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the final third of the field.

Both Vinicius and Rodrygo have been linked with moves away from Bernabeu, but it is highly unlikely that either player will depart during the summer transfer window.

Toni Kroos's retirement is instead expected to see Jude Bellingham drop back into central midfield, with Vinicius and Rodrygo playing off the wings and Mbappe going through the middle.

There had been Saudi Arabian and Premier League interest in Mbappe, but Real Madrid were always the favourites to secure his signature.

Despite not paying a transfer fee, it will still be one of the biggest deals of all time once the signing-on fee and wages over the five years have been added up.