Whether you’re a diehard fan of UEFA Champions League soccer, or just watched the 2018 World Cup as a casual fan, you probably know Kylian Mbappé is one of the most, if not the most talented footballers in the game. The 21-year-old forward is currently starring for Paris Saint-Germain, leading the club in a spirited Champions League campaign. Though PSG might seem like a natural fit for Mbappé (Paris is his hometown, after all), rumors are swirling about a possible transfer to another top tier European team. Though he’s focused on winning with Paris Saint-Germain at the moment, there’s no telling where this French footballer will be hanging his cleats next season (though we have a few ideas).
Why Leave PSG?
First of all, why leave PSG? Mbappé is under contract with PSG until 2022, for two more full seasons. Though he hasn’t won a Champions League title with PSG (a goal he may accomplish this season), he’s dominated Ligue 1 ever since PSG acquired him from Monaco. Ligue 1 is a strong league, but it’s not jam-packed with the world’s greatest players like La Liga or the EPL. The desire to play with the world’s best on a weekly basis, and a chance at a bigger contract, could mean his days at PSG are numbered.
Can Anyone Afford Him?
Transfering Mbappé isn’t going to be cheap. Paris Saint-Germain is rumored to be seeking more than the record $260 million they paid for Neymar from any team who wants Mbappé. That seems like a lot of money, but it may be worth it. Merchandise like the new Mbappé jersey and the official Nike® Mbappé X Bondy Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG cleats have been flying off the shelves, which adds a lot of value to a player’s overall worth.
So, who exactly is interested in buying this still-rising superstar? Liverpool has shown interest, and manager Jurgen Klopp has been keen on Mbappé since the Monaco days, but the franchise doesn’t want to spend $260 million+ for the transfer. If anyone has the pocketbook to pay a transfer fee that large, it’s Real Madrid, and Real Madrid is interested. The club has been high on Mbappé’s list ever since he was a kid, and the chance to dominate with Europe’s best team in one of, if not the, best leagues in the world could give him the motivation to reach another level on the pitch.
The Latest News
So far, no transfer has happened, nor has Kylian Mbappé signed an extension with PSG. Mbappé was recently quoted as saying that he wants to focus on winning the Champions League crown with his current teammates, and now is not the time to talk transfers or negotiate a new deal with PSG. When all is said and done, it’s most likely that a transfer won’t happen; the price tag is just too big. However, whether Mbappé will sign an extension with Paris Saint-Germain or look to switch leagues down the road is still very much up in the air.
