It promises to be a nervous start to 2024 for Paris Saint-Germain and its fans with speculation set to intensify about their prolific striker, one of only two players in soccer history to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.

Mbappé began this season in a transfer standoff with his club after not taking up the option of a 12-month extension into 2025. 

It means that, starting Jan. 1, he can openly talk to other clubs or even sign a pre-contract agreement with long-time suitor Real Madrid or Premier League leader Liverpool.

Mbappé can do so because his contract runs out in June, when he can leave the defending French champion for free, having joined from Monaco.

The France star is PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 233 goals despite only recently turning 25, and has already netted some 46 goals for Les Bleus.