In a recent edition of The Transfer Window Podcast, Ian McGarry mentioned that Liverpool are planning to seal a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Kylian Mbappe next summer. It is understood that the Reds are ready to offer the French attacker a contract that includes a ‘freedom of movement clause’ (transcripted and translated by anfieldcentral.co.uk).
McGarry said, “Our understanding is that while Liverpool can’t necessarily afford a transfer fee in the region of what Chelsea paid for Romelu Lukaku, they can afford a move for Mbappe under freedom of contract next summer, when he will be out of his current deal with PSG.
“Of course, the wages will be substantial, but again, Mbappe is interested in making the move to Liverpool, something that Jurgen Klopp has a central role in, in regards to Mbappe’s respect and admiration for the German coach.
“We know that Real Madrid are interested as well and that will be an option for him. However, it is information reported to us that Liverpool are pursuing and they believe they have an opportunity in which they may be able to get Mbappe for two or three years if they include a get-out clause in his contract, which would be signed under freedom of movement.
“So Mbappe would be in charge of his future in terms of leaving Liverpool at the point he wants to, so his career plan would be one he’s completely in charge of.”
Mbappe’s Excellent Form In French Football
Mbappe has made an encouraging start to this Ligue 1 campaign after scoring once and grabbing two assists in two appearances for PSG so far. He also enjoyed a sensational run of form with the Parisian giants last season when he continued to excel as a key member of their attack.
The 22-year-old registered 42 goals and 11 assists in 47 matches for his current club in the previous campaign on all fronts. Mbappe proved his worth as a world-class wide player by averaging 3.4 shots, 1.1 key passes and 2.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season. He has even distributed the ball relatively well in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 80.7% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Is Mbappe A Dream Option For The Reds?
Mbappe is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline. He can use his electric pace to leave his marker to bite the dust out on the wide areas. The Frenchman has transformed himself into an unforgiving finisher in the attacking end of the field and can even chip in by bagging some important assists for his side. He can even be a hard man to dispossess as he has got excellent ball control and dribbling ability to keep the ball moving without breaking a sweat in the opposition half.
Mbappe’s current contract at Parc des Princes is set to run out in the summer of 2022, so Liverpool are in a good position to try and lure him to Anfield if they can find enough room in their wage bill and meet the French’s demands next summer.
The Paris-born talent could be tempted with a chance to join Jurgen Klopp’s revolution at Merseyside, especially if he is given the freedom to leave in any off-season he wants in the coming years. Hence, in the unlikely scenario that things don’t work out for him at Anfield, the player could now have a fall-back option of moving on to another top European club in the future.
With all things considered, Mbappe will be a dream option for Klopp to consider next summer as he will enhance the quality of his first team considerably and could help bring even more success to Liverpool in the years to come.
