The competition between Liverpool and Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe has intensified as Paris Saint-Germain are rumored to replace the all-time leading goalscorer with Rafael Leao.
Mbappe’s contract expires at the end of this season after he failed to extend his contract last summer, temporarily leaving the 25-year-old out of the first team in the French capital.
PSG made headlines over Mbappé’s previous extension, which was announced in May 2022, with the player pictured wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words MBAPPE 2025 at the Parc des Princes. The contract value is reported to be 1 million pounds (about 1.1 billion won) per week. However, it was later revealed that the contract agreed ran until 2024 and not 2025, with only the World Cup winner able to extend the contract by a further year. The club expected Mbappe to exercise this option for a fee in the summer of 2024. He has yet to do so and looks set to leave at the end of the season after scoring a goal for PSG.
When it became clear he would not renew his contract, club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi agreed to sell him to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia for a world record £259m. Mbappe rejected the transfer. This would be a significant boost for Mbappe’s suitors as plans are now underway in Paris to replace him at the end of the season. Portuguese international Rafael Leao has a £150m release clause in his contract with AC Milan. Despite his struggles this season, the 24-year-old remains one of the most exciting talents in European football.Telefoot’s Saber Desfarges reports that PSG are keeping an eye on Leao in the summer transfer window. PSG football consultant Luis Campos is known to be a fan of compatriot Leao, who signed for Lille in 2018.
According to reports, Leo has been informed of PSG’s interest and wants a move. Consequently, the club are in a realistic position to sign the striker in the summer. Interestingly, Telefoot added that Newcastle are also interested in Liao.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote in his offside column: “I know there have been contacts with Rafael Leo and PSG.“It is natural to judge Luis Campos as he is the coach who took over Lyon from Lille, one of his biggest signings, but PSG’s summer plans will take place in the coming months. “It’s too early to predict what they will do. It depends on how the season goes and the situation with Kylian Mbappe.”Any deal for Leao will therefore be heavily dependent on Mbappe’s transfer. Crossing that line would be a monumental move, but Liverpool and Madrid will have to be brave as PSG look to replace their mercurial superstar.
Real Madrid are believed to be Mbappe’s next club destination and the France captain is keen on a long-term move to La Liga, but Liverpool chiefs are keeping a close eye on the situation.
