Real Madrid have once again marked their territory on the international market by rejecting one of the most extravagant offers ever seen in the history of modern football.
Al-Hilal's offer aimed to cause a major media and economic earthquake by placing Kylian Mbappe at the center of an unprecedented project led by Saudi Arabia.
However, there was no doubt in the offices of the “Santiago Bernabeu”. The message was immediate: the player's departure is non-negotiable, regardless of the proposed fee.
The Saudi proposal amounted to 350 million euros, an unprecedented figure for a deal of this size. The plan included a four-year contract with an annual salary of 300 million euros for Mbappe.
With these figures, the French striker would have surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo's earnings, becoming the highest-paid footballer in the world, by a considerable margin compared to other stars.
Despite this, Real Madrid did not even consider opening negotiations. The board believes that there are sporting values that cannot be measured solely in economic terms.
The club sees accepting an offer of 350 million euros as weakening a project built around the player and his global influence.
For Al-Hilal, signing Mbappe was much more than a sporting boost. It was a strategic move to transform the Saudi league into a global showcase.
The Arab club aimed for a generational icon capable of attracting audiences, sponsors and international prestige, following the path blazed by other big names that have moved to the region.
However, Real Madrid has categorically closed this door, sending a clear and undeniable message to the global market.Telegraph/
