Teenage soccer sensation Mbappe joins PSG from Monaco
The 18-year-old Mbappe joins PSG on a season-long loan in what could ultimately be world's second most expensive signing after Neymar was signed earlier this year for $261 million.
This file photo taken on August 12, 2016 shows Paris Saint-Germains Ivorian defender Serge Aurier kicking the ball during the French Ligue 1 footbal match Bastia (SCB) against Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on August 12, 2016 at the Armand Cesari stadium in Bastia on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
French teenager Kylian Mbappe, one of Europe's most exciting talents, joined Paris St Germain on Thursday in a deal that highlighted the French club's astonishing financial muscle.
The 18-year-old striker signed on loan from AS Monaco with fellow Ligue 1 side PSG having an option to buy the player at the end of the season, the capital club said on Thursday.
No financial terms of the deal were disclosed, but European media reported that PSG would pay up to $214 million (180 million euros) for the teenager, making him the world's second most expensive signing after Neymar, the Brazilian who joined PSG from Barcelona for $261 million (222 million euros) earlier this month.
"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the immediate arrival of Kylian Mbappe. The international French striker is transferred on a loan basis from AS Monaco until June 30, 2018," PSG said in a statement.
"The loan agreement also includes a call option for Paris Saint-Germain which, when exercised, will bind the player to Paris Saint-Germain until June 30, 2022."
Qatari-owned PSG has now spent more than any other club in a single transfer window and will face questions about whether they are complying with UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
No explanation was given as to why Mbappe has been initially signed on loan, but local media said it was an attempt to spread the payment to ensure PSG do not fall foul of FFP rules aimed at stopping clubs with rich owners spending their way to success.
This file photo taken on August 16, 2015 shows Paris Saint-Germains French defender Serge Aurier controling the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and GFC Ajaccio at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.
World stage debut
Mbappe, who was born in a Paris suburb, burst onto the world stage last season, scoring 26 goals and making 14 assists in all competitions for Monaco, helping the club win the French league title and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
"For any young person from the Paris region, it is often a dream to wear the red and blue jersey and experience the unique atmosphere of the Parc des Princes," Mbappe said on the club website (www.psg.fr).
"I really wanted to be a part of the club's project, which is one of the most ambitious in Europe. Alongside my new team-mates, I intend to continue my progression while helping the team achieve the very big objectives it has set itself."
PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi said: "It was essential for French football that we keep and help develop such a great talent in our championship.
"Among players of his age, he is, without doubt, the most promising in the world due to his immense technical, physical and mental qualities.
"Since his emergence at the highest level, he has earned an excellent reputation as a young talent who is very respectful, open, ambitious and already very mature."
The France international, who was linked with many of Europe's top clubs during the transfer window, including Barcelona, is PSG's fourth signing of the window after Neymar and defenders Yuri Berchiche and Dani Alves.
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