Kylian Mbappe “going to City will be game over”, says Gael Clichy, but Manchester United and Liverpool have been ruled out of the transfer hunt.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar is expected to be on the move in 2024 as he is yet to sign a contract extension with the reigning Ligue 1 champions. Various landing spots have been mooted for the World Cup winner, although Real Madrid are considered to be leading the race for his signature.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Former France international Clichy cannot see his fellow countryman heading to England, with Premier League title holders City the only side that could realistically put an enticing transfer package together for an exciting forward that continues to draw comparisons with the legendary Thierry Henry.
WHAT THEY SAID
Ex-City and Arsenal full-back Clichy has told Genting Casino: “Mbappe going to City will be game over! Mbappe reminds me of Theirry Henry as he can pop up with vital goals and has so much charisma and confidence. I haven’t seen a player with this much confidence since Thierry. Him going to City would be great, but as I’ve said before, the Premier League is the most challenging league in the world. Mbappe’s favourite club is seemingly Real Madrid – and that’s understandable due to their history and status. If he leaves PSG, I can’t see him going anywhere before Real Madrid. Not Liverpool, not Arsenal, not Man United, and not Tottenham.
“The only Premier League club who I feel could tempt Kylian would be City due to Pep Guardiola’s influence as well as what City have achieved over the last few years. City also have the financial muscle to maintain their status. However, Real Madrid can do all of this, too. They could create a project around Mbappe and I can’t see a reason why he wouldn’t go there. PSG is his boyhood club, but his next-favourite team is Madrid. They can give him everything they need to become the next Ballon d’Or winner. I can’t see him going anywhere else, but it would be great to have him in England. It may be tough here, but he’s got all the tools to succeed. As much as I want that, I think he’s destined for Spain.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Mbappe failed to sparkle on his latest appearance – as PSG suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Champions League – but the 24-year-old does have eight goals in as many appearances this season and is considered to be a future Ballon d’Or winner in waiting.