13 August 2023 , 09:00
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Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Kylian Mbappe is being reintegrated into their first-team squad.
“Following very constructive, positive talks between PSG and Kylian Mbappé before the game vs Lorient, the player has been reinstated into first team training squad this morning," a statement from the club read. Mbappe wasn't part of the squad for the Lorient game.
PSG were held to a goalless draw in their first game of the season under new manager Luis Enrique, with Mbappe and fellow forward Neymar left out of the squad. Summer signings Lee Kang-in, Goncalo Ramos and Marco Asensio made up the front three.
It had earlier been reported that PSG and Mbappe were ready to return to the negotiating table with Mbappe. The forward had previously indicated he would not be exercising an option to extend his deal with the club beyond 2024, meaning he would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in the new year.
On Saturday, though, he was seen with new signing Ousmane Dembele, sparking suggestions the former Barcelona star's arrival could prompt a change of heart. Mbappe was among those to welcome France team-mate Mbappe to Paris, saying "the adventure begins".
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Dembele completed a £43.5m move from Barcelona earlier in the weekend, bringing to an end his injury-blighted spell with the Catalan club. He wasn't signed in time to feature against Lorient, but could be in consideration for next week's trip to Toulouse.
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"The conversations with the coach," Dembele said when asked what prompted him to join PSG. "For me, having trust is vital for a footballer.
"I also spoke with the Sporting Director and the President. I spoke with them and they really explained the project at Paris Saint-Germain and I was impressed. It's very exciting and I hope that we are going to achieve great things together.
"I hope to join up with the squad very quickly and to be able to play," he added, confirming he was ready to get going. "Physically too, I'm feeling good.
"I did the whole pre-season with Barcelona, then I trained this last week. I feel ready for the challenge. I've been looking forward to getting out on the pitch, training and getting to know all my team-mates for several weeks now."
As one forward arrives, though, another could be set to depart. Neymar has been the subject of interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who attempted in vain to sign Mbappe earlier in the summer, and the Brazil international will have a decision to make on whether he takes the mega-money contract said to be on offer.