Liverpool’s chances of signing Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer have reportedly been boosted by Real Madrid ’s meek performance against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
Mbappe scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner for PSG in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at the Parc des Princes.
The build-up to the match was dominated by discussion around Mbappe’s future , with the 23-year-old striker out of contract with PSG on July 1.
Mbappe has long been strongly linked with Real Madrid , whose president Florentino Perez is desperate to bring in a modern day Galactico and build the team around him.
But Real’s unambitious performance in Paris on Tuesday could undermine their attempts to lure Mbappe to the Spanish capital – and inadvertently play into the hands of transfer rivals.
Spanish newspaper Sport reports that, while Mbappe is still undecided on what to do this summer, he is ‘frustrated’ by Real’s current status and is concerned about their ability to compete for trophies in the future.
He has therefore ‘decided to wait and reflect’, rather than committing wholeheartedly to the Real project.
That is undoubtedly a boost for Liverpool, who showed their class with a professional 2-0 win over Inter Milan on Wednesday in the Champions League – their seventh in succession this season in the competition.
Liverpool cannot pay as much money as PSG or Real, but they are deemed to have a stronger proposition on a sporting level.
The Reds are said to be ‘a club that attracts Mbappe a lot’ and are seen as the only other option for the France international.
Liverpool are basing their pitch on the chance to work with Jurgen Klopp and possibility of winning Champions League trophies.
Nothing is set in stone, however, and a separate report from The Independent suggests PSG are upping the stakes in the battle for Mbappe’s signature.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s side are reportedly ready to make Mbappe by far the best paid player in the world by giving a basic wage far in excess of £500,000, and closer to £1million a week.
The huge contract offer looks like a final play from PSG, who had previously appeared resigned to losing the striker, who has scored 22 goals this season, to Real Madrid.
Mbappe idolises Cristiano Ronaldo and has previously stated his boyhood dream of playing for the club.
Members of Mbappe’s family and entourage reportedly met with the PSG hierarchy yesterday, with his brilliant form ensuring that the youngster has all the power in his hands.
“I’ve not decided my future,” Mbappe insisted to Movistar after the Real win.
“I play for Paris Saint-Germain, one of the best clubs in the world.
“This game to influence my future? No – I’ve not decided. I give my best and then we will see what happens next season”.
