2024-01-01 15:42:01
PARIS (AP) — With the beginning of the year the countdown on the future of Kylian Mbappe also begins.
It promises to be a disturbing start to 2024 for Paris Saint-Germain and its fans as speculation is sure to intensify over the future of the prolific striker, one of two players in history with a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Mbappe began the season in the middle of a stalemate with the team after requesting a transfer because the team decided not to fulfill the option to extend 12 months until 2025. This means that from January 1 he can begin to speak openly with other clubs or even sign a pre-agreement with a team like Real Madrid or Liverpool, leader of the Premier League.
Mbappe can start because his contract expires in June, when he will be able to leave the defending French champion, a team he joined from Monaco — initially on loan in 2017 — for 180 million euros (now $199 million).
The PSG star is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 233 goals even though he is only 25 years old and has 46 goals for the national team.
But their time at PSG has been frustrating at times and in the last two campaigns they have not been able to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Despite his 21 goals in 22 games in all competitions this season, Mbappe was unable to make his mark in defeats to Newcastle and AC Milan in Europe.
And their frustration has been evident in some league games over the past three seasons, when poor defending and a lack of unity have led to them conceding goals.
Here’s a look at where it could go:
REAL MADRID
Will the third time be the charm for the Spanish power?
PSG rejected the offer of 180 million euros for Mbappe in 2021 and a year later lost the opportunity last year when the forward signed a new deal with PSG in 2022.
Mbappe has spoken fondly of Madrid, but if he doesn’t arrive this time, then the deal may no longer happen. Coach Carlo Ancelotti rebuilt the attack since the departure of Karim Benzema and it worked with the acquisition of 20-year-old Jude Bellingham, who signed from Borussia Dortmund and has 17 goals in 21 games and behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
LIVERPOOL
Mbappe speaks good English and is comfortable giving Champions League interviews to British television.
This would make his transition to the Premier League easier as his speed, ball strength, dribbling and lethal attack could serve him well.
The six-time European champions are trying to retain striker Mohamed Salah due to interest from the Saudi Arabian league. Mbappe could be an ideal replacement.
CHELSEA
Without having to pay a transfer fee, Mbappe will surely ask for a big salary.
Chelsea can deliver, plus the team is languishing in the middle of the table and is desperately in need of a scorer of Mbappe’s caliber.
SAUDI ARABIA
Al-Hilal failed to sign Mbappe in July for a record $332 million and given his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or multiple times, it seems unlikely that he will be tempted with a big salary.
Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian league looks like it will continue for a long time.
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