Kylian Mbappé could leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with a possible transfer carousel opening up options for Liverpool’s scouting squad.
Kylian Mbappé surprised the footballing world on Monday night when he questioned his future in France.
The global superstar sent a letter to his club, Paris Saint-Germain, informing them that he would not be exercising the option to extend his contract for another year (according to Sky Sports).
As a result, Mbappé currently has a contract that expires in 12 months, meaning PSG stand to lose him for free unless he is sold this summer. What will happen remains to be seen, but it is curious that such details emerged just a week after Karim Benzema left Real Madrid to join Saudi Professional League club Al-Ittihad.
At the moment, the Spanish giant does not have a starting striker at the club, so a transfer from Mbappé could work perfectly in the coming months. However, if Real Madrid explore the possibility of buying the Frenchman, funds may have to be raised through the sale of players.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly set to sign former Liverpool target Jude Bellingham this summer (according to Sky Sports). It looks like the English wonderkid is destined to leave Borussia Dortmund, but his signing will cost a staggering sum.
Real Madrid could struggle to finance high-profile transfers of Bellingham and Mbappé in the same window, which explains why Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti might be willing to sell some players. On tour at the Santiago Bernabéu squad, one player in particular seems ideal for Jurgen Klopp’s needs. Federico Valverde is fully committed to Real Madrid and maybe that’s an understatement. Earlier this year, the Uruguay international was asked about his future in the capital while filming Apple TV’s upcoming documentary about the Spanish club. “To get me out of Real Madrid they have to kill me,” he said.
In fact, Valverde has been labeled ‘untouchable in this team’ by his current manager. The South American midfielder, aged just 24, is yet to reach his prime but if Real Madrid are distracted by Mbappé and Bellingham, he could be one of the players to become available.
Spanish outlet Relevo recently reported that Valverde isn’t as untransferable as before. Real Madrid want to keep him but could raise a significant amount of transfer funds for Pérez to pitch to Mbappé and Bellingham, while Liverpool are on the hunt for midfielders.
El Nacional say Liverpool have made an initial $65m (£51m/€60m) offer for Valverde. But this has apparently been firmly rejected, with Pérez refusing to even discuss the possibility unless a $108m (£86m/€100m) offer is made.
Alexis Mac Allister has already been added to Klopp’s ranks this summer, but more arrivals are needed. Furthermore, many of the midfield options suggested for a move to Anfield are favored on the left side of the pitch, including Mac Allister, Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné to name a few, but Valverde is a right winger, which would benefit the Reds. . He is as intense, diligent and hardworking as possible. The Uruguayan international looks made for Klopp and would fill a major need if he joins, but a lot needs to happen this summer before the transfer merry-go-round gives Liverpool an advantage in the transfer market.
All in all, the situation of Bellingham, Mbappe and Valverde is definitely one to keep an eye on for Klopp as he looks to refurbish his engine room for next season.
