Kylian Mbappe’s declaration that he will not sign a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain has rocked the French champions, with the forward refusing to sign an extension to a deal that expires next summer.
PSG are keen to sell the 24-year-old, as the Parisians run the risk of losing arguably world football’s finest talent on a free transfer in 2024.
Mbappe’s future is set to dominate the headlines until next summer, in is a saga that will run and run. For those of you interested in sports betting with a no deposit bonus, we’ve looked at the bookmakers’ five favourites to sign the France captain.
Manchester City – 25/1
Manchester City are priced at 25/1 odds to sign Mbappe, who will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides in January.
City are the best team in Europe right now after winning the treble last season, while the chance to work under Pep Guardiola is sure to appeal to any top talent.
The Premier League champions are hardly in need of a superstar striker given a certain Erling Haaland continues to break records on an almost weekly basis at the Etihad, but the chance to sign Mbappe on a free transfer does not come along often.
The prospect of the Frenchman and Haaland combining in the same side is a truly terrifying one for opposition defences.
Any Italian club – 12/1
Mbappe is 12/1 to move to any Italian side, despite a relative lull for Serie A sides on the European stage.
Not since 2010 has an Italain side won the Champions League, though both Inter and AC Milan reached the last four last season, Mbappe has previously named the latter as his ‘favourite’ club in Italy, admitting he has a ‘special connection’ with the Rossoneri.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Mbappe said: “When I was a child, I had an Italian nanny and I spent a lot of time with her family. They are all Milan supporters. So, thanks to them, I also cheered on the Rossoneri and watched a lot of Milan games.”
Any Saudi Pro League side – 8/1
Saudi Pro League sides have emerged as major forces in the transfer market after the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced it has taken ownership of the country’s four leading football clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
The multi-billion funding of PIF has already led to a remarkable recruitment drive as Saudi sides have attracted leading names from Europe’s top five leagues. The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Neymar are among those to have signed up for the new Saudi Pro League season, but securing Mbappe – arguably the world’s best player and at the peak of his career – would be a new level of statement.
Al-Hilal had a world record €300m offer accepted for the forward during the summer, though Mbappe refused to meet club officials to discuss a move.
Liverpool – 8/1
Liverpool have been tentatively linked with a move for Mbappe, who has spoken previously of his mother’s admiration for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp was asked on rumours surrounding a potential move for Mbappe during the summer, but shutdown the speculation by claiming the Frenchman was out of his side’s financial reach.
“We laugh about it,” Klopp told Sky Germany. “I can say that I think he’s a really good player but the financial conditions don’t suit us at all. I wouldn’t like to ruin the story now… but as far as I know, there’s nothing to it.
“It’s possible that someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me… that hasn’t happened in the eight years that I’ve been here. That would be the first time.”
The arrival of Mbappe, even on a free transfer, would shatter the wage structure at Liverpool, but with Saudi sides sniffing around Mohamed Salah a big-name replacement could be sought next summer.
Real Madrid – 5/2
Real Madrid are favourites to sign Mbappe, having courted the forward for several seasons. The Spaniards have made attempts to sign Mbappe in past transfer windows and believed a deal was all-but-done before the forward signed a new deal at PSG in 2022.
PSG believe an agreement has already been reached for Mbappe to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, with the club incensed at how the situation appears to be unfolding.
Real Madrid require a forward after losing Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, but a deal was out of their financial reach this summer after the €103m capture of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window.
Joselu has arrived on loan from relegated Espanyol, but despite an Indian summer from the former Stoke striker an upgrade would be welcomed.
Mbappe and Madrid has been a match most have felt is inevitable at some stage of his career and the forward’s dream transfer could materialise in the near future. The prospect of the Frenchman combining with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham at the Bernabeu is an exciting one.
