Al-Hilal’s alleged mega offer for Kylian Mbappé has provoked explosive reactions in the sports world. The athletes from the US sports leagues in particular reacted with disbelief to the rumored sum that the Saudi club is said to be offering the Frenchman as an annual salary. LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Draymond Green and Co. commented on the rumors on social media.
Media reported that the Saudi Pro League club is said to have offered the Paris Saint-Germain superstar an annual salary of 700 million euros (allegedly 200 million euros in fixed money plus 500 million euros through advertising deals and the marketing of his image rights).
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Parisian noble club had previously accepted an offer from Al Hilal for a transfer fee of 300 million euros for the lightning-fast striker and allowed ex-Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly’s club to enter into negotiations with the 2018 world champion.
After just one year in Saudi Arabia, the 24-year-old could move to his dream club Real Madrid in 2024 on a free transfer.
Basketball legend LeBron James, who is still active, reacted with amusement to the rumors and posted a video on Twitter of sprinting US actor Tom Hanks as the main protagonist in the film “Forrest Gump”.
EXCL: Al Hilal have submitted formal bid to Paris Saint-Germain in order to open talks for Kylian Mbappé. 🚨🔵🇸🇦
Understand it’s worth €300m — record fee.
No talks on player side.
⚪️ PSG remain convinced that Mbappé already agreed terms with Real Madrid with contract ready. pic.twitter.com/yeDu5AQr6E
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2023
AL HILAL REACTS TO GIANNIS’ TWEET
“Me on my way to Saudi Arabia when they (Saudi Arabian clubs, ed. ) Rich Paul and Maverick Carter (his agents/friends, ed. ) call about this one-year deal,” the 38-year-old from the Los Angeles Lakers wrote on the clip.
Me headed to Saudi when they call @RichPaul4 & @mavcarter for that 1 year deal! ✌🏾🤷🏾♂️😁 pic.twitter.com/IX0VSMZYNb
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 25, 2023
In addition to James, Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks also spoke up, who called for a commitment from Al Hilal due to his visual similarity to Mbappé. The Saudi Arabian club was quick to reply: “You are cordially invited to join us as a fan, Giannis.”
Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe 😂😂👀 pic.twitter.com/VH0syez3VX
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 24, 2023
MBAPPÉ OFFER: NBA STAR GREEN JOKES
The two NBA stars Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) and Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) also couldn’t hold back. “700 million euros in one year? What the hell LOL,” the latter tweeted, while Green responded with a healthy dose of humor.
1 year 776mm? Wtf lol …
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 24, 2023
EX-NFL STAR WATT: “IS SAUDI ARABIA INTERESTED IN AMERICAN FOOTBALL?”
In the NFL (National Football League), reports of the immoral offer also provoked reactions. “Is Saudi Arabia interested in American football by any chance?” wrote defensive specialist JJ Watt, who retired at the end of last season.
Saudi Arabia interested in American football by chance @FabrizioRomano?
🤯🤯🤯#Mbappe
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 24, 2023
