Paris FC president Michel Denisot has firmly dismissed rumors of a potential transfer for former Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé, emphasizing that the Ligue 1 newcomers are focused on building a team rooted in local talent rather than chasing high-profile signings. The statement, reported by French outlet L’Équipe, comes as Paris FC aims to establish itself as a competitive force in French football, with ambitions to rival PSG in the capital.
Mbappé, who left PSG for Real Madrid in a blockbuster free transfer last summer, has been the subject of speculation amid a challenging start at the Spanish club. Despite his impressive individual record of 256 goals and 107 assists in 308 appearances for PSG, Real Madrid’s failure to reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals—coupled with PSG’s strong performance in the same competition—has fueled discussions about his impact. Some pundits have even questioned whether Real Madrid’s signing of the 25-year-old French captain was a misstep, while PSG’s transformation under coach Luis Enrique has been praised.
Denisot, speaking to L’Équipe, made it clear that Paris FC has no intention of pursuing Mbappé. “The idea is not to bring Kylian Mbappé back to Paris,” he said, signaling a strategic focus on nurturing Parisian players to form the core of the squad. Paris FC, newly promoted to Ligue 1, is prioritizing sustainable growth over splashy transfers, even as the club dreams of challenging PSG’s dominance in the city.
Mbappé’s departure from PSG was not without controversy. The forward is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club, claiming €55 million in unpaid wages and bonuses. His legal team has escalated the matter, appealing to UEFA and French authorities, with some reports suggesting PSG could face scrutiny over their financial obligations. PSG, in response, insists that Mbappé verbally agreed to forgo certain payments to facilitate a smooth exit, a claim his lawyers dispute.
Meanwhile, PSG’s success without Mbappé has underscored their shift away from the “galactico” era of star-driven squads. With players like Ousmane Dembélé stepping up and a cohesive team ethic under Enrique, PSG has reached the Champions League semifinals and secured a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title. Paris FC, while far from matching PSG’s stature, sees an opportunity to carve out its own identity in the French capital, but it won’t involve a sensational move for Mbappé.