A pundit thinks Kylian Mbappe will have to get Liverpool’s confidence on three significant factors before the Reds make a move to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. Their president, Florentino Perez, was desperate to make Mbappe their latest ‘Galactico’ signing.
Mbappe appeared set to join the Spanish giants at one point. However, the forward rejected their advances on May 22 by signing a new contract with PSG. It is designed to keep him in the French capital until summer 2025.
Reports claim Mbappe earns a whopping £42.5million (€50m) per year. He was also handed a £153m (€180m) bonus for staying at the Parc des Princes.
The Frenchman now has a big say in what goes on at PSG, including their managerial appointments and new signings.
While the contract signing was supposed to herald a new era for Mbappe and PSG, tensions have risen recently.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe is no longer happy at the Ligue 1 club and wants to leave ‘as soon as possible’.
PSG officials believe the player and his camp are trying to put them under pressure. They apparently have no intention of selling Mbappe in the winter transfer window.
Liverpool boost as Real Madrid drop out of Kylian Mbappe chase
The uncertainty surrounding Mbappe has put a potential move to Liverpool back on the cards. And Spanish newspaper Marca gave the Reds a boost recently by stating Real will not renew their interest in the 23-year-old.
Perez, the main man in charge at the Bernabeu, has been left reeling by Mbappe’s decision to reject Real in the summer. As such, he will avoid moving for the goalscorer anytime soon – putting Liverpool in pole position for him.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire also believes Liverpool have the money to meet Mbappe’s huge price tag. And they can do this without breaking Financial Fair Play rules, too.
Former striker Noel Whelan has now given his verdict on Mbappe potentially moving to Anfield. The pundit thinks Mbappe needs to pass three integral criteria before he can join the Reds, and luckily for their owners the Fenway Sports Group, he will.
“I think everyone would like Mbappe in their side,” Whelan said during an interview with Football Insider. “I can’t think of any manager who would say no to him.
“Would he fit Liverpool’s style of play? Yes. Would he fit their criteria of signing young players? Yes. Would he be a fan favourite? Yes.
PSG man tipped as Salah replacement
“[Mo] Salah is coming into the back end of his career now, and when you look for a replacement, Mbappe stands out like a sore thumb.
“If they can afford him, I think it’d be a sensational proposition for all parties and I think Klopp would get the best out of him.
“I can see it happening, for sure. But he won’t be cheap so they’ll have to look at the finances.”
Whelan is right about Mbappe passing those three checks. The France international would suit Jurgen Klopp’s quick and intense style of play. And at 23 years old, he is exactly the type of player profile that club chiefs wants to bring in.
Mbappe would also begin life at Liverpool as a fan favourite, given his incredible goalscoring record and huge achievements as a young player. However, his relationship with the Liverpool supporters could deteriorate if he doesn’t put the effort in.
Liverpool are used to Sadio Mane – before his move to Bayern Munich – and Mo Salah tracking back and helping their defenders. Mbappe rarely does this and can be guilty of falling out with his team-mates too, which could ruin the camaraderie Klopp has created among his squad.
So while Mbappe would be a brilliant signing for Liverpool, Reds fans might have a few reservations about his possible arrival.