Manchester United are reportedly in the mix to sign Kylian Mbappe after the Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s future returned to the headlines.
The saga surrounding Mbappe was one the biggest stories of the summer window, after it appeared all-but certain he would leave the Parc des Princes. It was claimed that the French international had agreed a deal with Real Madrid, only to perform a U-turn at the 11th hour to remain with PSG.
"I am very happy to stay at PSG in France,” Mbappe told the PSG fans after signing his new contract. “I always said Paris is my home. I hope we continue to play football and win trophies together. Thanks for everything. I hope that I will continue to do what I prefer to with you all… and win titles together! Thanks a lot."
However, after initial reports suggested that his new contract ran until the summer of 2025, L’Equipe claim the final 12 months will be at the discretion of Mbappe himself, with a guarantee only lasting until 2024.
That could therefore mean by the time next summer rolls around, the 23-year-old is back in a situation where he could become a free agent in a year’s time. In 2021, Real Madrid attempted to capitalise on that very situation but saw a world record €220million snubbed by the Ligue 1 champions.
And with Mbappe refusing to rule out the possibility of a transfer in the future, speculation has already started on where he could eventually end up. Marca via Sport Witness confirm the fact that he will be able to walk away for free in 2024 and list some of the clubs in the mix.
Madrid will undoubtedly remain the favourites, particularly after Mbappe - a boyhood Real fan - refused to close the door on a move to the Bernabeu. “You never know what is going to happen,” he told the New York Times. “I've never been there [Real Madrid] but it seems like it's my home or something like that.”
However, there could be some resistance from Real’s side this time around, after getting their fingers burnt during negotiations already. Outspoken club President Florentino Perez even went as far to say he no longer wanted the Mbappe that opted to stay in Paris.
“I've never said it's over between Mbappe and Real Madrid forever. I never said that. In three years, many things can change. But I don't want this Mbappe.
“The last one is not the same Kylian we wanted. I wanted the real one.The Mbappe who was going to come here is not this one. If it is, I prefer him to stay at PSG. I want the one with the dream.”
Meanwhile, manager Carlo Ancelotti offered a frustrated response to the fresh bout of rumours and pointed towards the striking resources he already at his disposal.
"I give up! I give up with that question!" the Italian said. "To be honest, we're excited about the forwards we have, above all the youngsters. Karim [Benzema] excites us a lot, but when a young player comes in, it's even more exciting.
"What Vinicius [Junior] and Rodrygo are doing is very exciting. We aren't thinking about anyone else right now, there's no doubt. We're focused and so are the players."
That’s where United come in, having shown they are still willing to flex their financial muscles to sign the players they truly want. New manager Erik ten Hag was backed to the tune of almost £250m in an attempt to quickly reverse their fortunes and seal a Champions League return.
The expectation and hope is that by the time Mbappe’s future truly comes to decision-making time, United will be back competing for major honours at the top of the European football. He has also admitted he held talks about moving to the Premier League - albeit with United’s old rivals Liverpool.
He told the Telegraph: “‘I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her! It’s a good club and we met them five years ago [too]. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club.”
