Kylian Mbappe to Saudi Arabia is a test of mentality and money

In a story that has stunned the world of football, it's now emerged that Mbappe could be leaving France for Saudi Arabia this summer instead.

Al-Hilal are determined to bring the 24-year-old to the Middle East, even if that adventure could only last a year.

They are apparently offering him a huge €700m to make the move and spent just 12 months in that area of the world.

To put those dizzying numbers into perspective, that works out at €22 per second, €79,900 an hour, €1.9m a day and €58.33m per month.

Up until this point, the Saudi Pro League have mainly been signing players who are past their best.

That trend started when Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to secure starts for Manchester United, joined Al-Nassr back in November.

Players such as Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, who have entered the twilight years of their respective careers, have since joined Ronaldo in the Middle East.

England star Jordan Henderson is poised to follow, with Liverpool happy to let the veteran go.

Yet Mbappe would be an entirely different kettle of fish. It would be the biggest transfer in football history, without a doubt.

Not just because of the fee, but what it would mean for the sport as a whole.

Mbappe, by moving to Al-Hilal, would be able to grow his name and reputation overseas. He's already a household name and his stock would soar upwards.

It would change his life, even if the PSG star certainly has plenty in the bank already.

Yet while Mbappe would be forgiven for considering the offer, due to the sheer numbers involved, jumping ship would be the wrong decision at this stage of his career.

The Saudi Pro League, for all the incomings of the past year, remains a division that lags behind the rest.

Mbappe would grow his reputation but, within the sport, there would undoubtedly be accusations of greed.

And if there's one thing everybody hates about football, it's those who make decisions solely for the money.

Mbappe has often spoken about how he wants to be remembered as a footballing icon one day.

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Moving to Saudi would dent any chances of that happening, however.

If he's serious about following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, his icon, then he needs to stay in Europe.

Real Madrid are the team he clearly loves and that move would be logical, especially given Los Blancos' need for a new striker in the wake of Benzema's departure.

Moving to the Premier League, with Manchester United or Chelsea, would show he's a risk-taker.

But soaking in the Saudi sunshine, even for a year, would perhaps do damage incapable of being repaired.

Now's the time for him to show whether he's in this sport to be a champion, or simply for the paycheque.