After four years of service for Paris Saint Germain, 23-year-old French striker Kylian Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. Mbappe’s contract at PSG ends in the summer, allowing him to sign pre-contract agreements with other clubs. This decision concludes the nearly two-year-long pursuit of the player by Real Madrid and denotes the end of the Paris native’s time in the French capital.

Scoring 151 goals and 77 assists in 199 games as a player for PSG, Mbappe became the most valuable player in the world with his current market value at $176 million. In a short time, Mbappe has also added to his trophy cabinet, including a world cup and four league titles with PSG. Mbappe’s goal-scoring record and professional accolades have sparked the interest of clubs across Europe vying for his signature.

“Mbappe has been an important player for PSG in the past 5 years, Real Madrid is lucky to have him. I would hate to see him go, but a switch to a different club and league might bring him more success,” senior Sebastian Uribe said.

Keeping Mbappe at Le Parc des Princes has been a top priority for PSG as they previously rejected bids from Liverpool and Real Madrid and have tried to renew his contract on different occasions.

However, the long-time Real Madrid fan’s desire to join the club is seemingly too strong for PSG to break. Mbappe previously expressed his desire to leave PSG for Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, hoping to avoid leaving on a free transfer. However, PSG decided to continue with their efforts to renew Mbappe’s contract, which has led to him being allowed to leave with PSG receiving nothing in return.

“I am excited to see one of my favorite players join the club I support. I am super excited that he is joining Madrid because I believe he will really be able to improve the team and establish himself as one of the best in the world,” senior Eden Sobalvarro said.

Per his contract obligations, Mbappe was only recently able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with other clubs. However, Real Madrid has long been considered the favorite to sign Mbappe. The agreement between the two parties will reportedly see Mbappe making $57 million per year in Spain, which would make the Frenchman the highest earner at Madrid.

There is still the possibility that Mbappe does not join Real Madrid as his agreement with the club will only be fully possible after the player’s contract officially ends in the summer. However, as it stands, Mbappe plans on becoming a Real Madrid player which will see him take a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s efforts to rejuvenate their squad.