Kylian Mbappe's potential destinations this summer - ranked
Ah sh*t, here we go again.
We've been here before, right? The summer of 2021 saw Kylian Mbappe run rings around both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid as the two contemporary behemoths attempted to gauge the superstar's intentions.
Mbappe was entering the final year of his contract at PSG with seemingly no desire to extend. Real, as a result, chimed in with a couple of offers at the end of the transfer window, but PSG, perhaps playing with fire, refused to budge.
The early indications in 2023 suggest something equally dull could play out this summer with Mbappe reportedly telling PSG that he has no intention to trigger the clause in his contract which would extend his stay in Paris by another year. Thus, he looks set to become a free agent next summer, but PSG do not want to let their most prized asset depart for free.
The possibility that this is just another rouse from the savvy Frenchman to garner even greater bargaining power at PSG shouldn't be ruled out, but we've got to believe that, this time, Mbappe is keen on taking his talent beyond the French capital.
So, here are five potential destinations for the superstar 24-year-old this summer - ranked.
5. Saudi Pro League
Mbappe will almost certainly remain in Europe, but the Saudi Pro League will surely test the waters.
After the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) took ownership of the league's 'Big Four', these clubs literally have a limitless flow of cash at their disposal.
Money certainly won't be an issue in an Mbappe pursuit and the Frenchman would garner a fortune from any move to Saudi Arabia, but he will not be interested in a move to a division so bereft of quality.
The 24-year-old has Champions Leagues and Ballons d'Or to lift yet.
Fit? 2/10
4. Liverpool
A move for Mbappe would only be feasible if Mohamed Salah was to depart Anfield this summer. The Egyptian let out his frustration at Liverpool's disappointing 2022/23 campaign which culminated in Europa League football on social media, and there are murmurs that Salah could potentially leave the club.
However, Real Madrid appear to be the only feasible option for the Reds winger - unless, of course, PSG lose Mbappe - and, overall, his exit is unlikely after he penned a contract extension last summer.
Nevertheless, Mbappe back in 2020 was full of praise for Jurgen Klopp's side, describing the German's Reds as a "machine". Liverpool are no longer the juggernaut of their apex, but the Frenchman might be intrigued by a move to Anfield.
Fit? 6/10
3. Man City
Man City cemented themselves as an all-time great side by winning the Champions League in Istanbul and thus becoming just the second English side in history to win the treble.
Pep Guardiola's juggernaut was bolstered by the arrival of Erling Haaland last summer, and the addition of Mbappe, the generational superstar that sits alongside the Nordic machine, would just be straight-up unfair. Imagine those two attacking Dan Potts and Tom Lockyer at Kenilworth Road next season.
Fortunately for Luton Town and the rest of the Premier League, a move for Mbappe seems incredibly unlikely. While City might need to sign a winger with Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez linked with moves away, Mbappe, for all his majestic talent, isn't revered for his discipline and defensive astuteness - two pre-requisites for a modern Guardiola winger.
The Citizens might also fancy staying out of the limelight this summer considering the 115 FFP charges currently held against them.
Fit? 6/10
2. Manchester United
Perhaps Man Utd could make a play for the Frenchman? The Red Devils have the financial capacity to sign Mbappe, especially if their takeover is completed soon (albeit unlikely), and they desperately need another forward option.
Mbappe isn't an outright number nine and he's quite similar to Marcus Rashford with the positions he thrives in, but the possibility of signing, arguably, the best player in the world is one United might find hard to resist as they attempt to usurp their crosstown rivals at the top of the Premier League.
Fit? 8/10
1. Real Madrid
Real's history with Mbappe dates back to 2017 when they looked set to secure the signing of the then-teenager from Monaco before PSG snatched him from their grasp.
Florentino Perez has reportedly been obsessed with the idea of signing Mbappe since, but PSG rebuffed several offers from Real two summers ago when it looked inevitable that the Frenchman would join Los Blancos.
The club's previous interest in Mbappe combined with Perez's desires renders Real the favourites for the Frenchman's signature, but the president recently admitted that while the 24-year-old remains a target, he won't be joining this year.
However, recent developments will undoubtedly alter Perez's stance.
FIt? 10/10