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Liverpool are reportedly hopeful of completing an audacious raid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe next summer.
The France international’s future grabbed headlines during the summer transfer window as it was revealed that he had informed PSG that he will not be exercising his contract’s 12-month extension option.
Mbappe agreed to a new two-year contract at the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2022, and he will be a free agent next summer if he does not renew his 12-month contract.
Following the attacker’s shocking choice, PSG did everything they could to try to sell him over the summer, including kicking him out of the first team and accepting a world-record £259 million bid for Al-Hilal.
Mbappe, on the other hand, has always stated that he intends to see out the balance of his Parisiens contract before making a choice on his future next summer.
Luis Enrique eventually welcomed the former Monaco prodigy back into the main group, but his contract situation remains unresolved, and he will be leaving for free in 2024 as things currently stand.
A free transfer to Real Madrid remains the most logical option for Mbappe, who has been the subject of strong attention from Los Blancos in each of the previous two summer transfer windows.
However, according to French source L’Equipe, Liverpool are also interested in the 24-year-old, having already been connected with an attempt for him before he signed new terms in the French capital last year.
Liverpool are unlikely to pursue a deal for Mbappe if a fee is involved, but the idea of signing the World Cup winner as a free agent has supposedly placed Anfield officials on high alert.
The Merseyside giants are thought to be hopeful of bringing the attacker to the Premier League because they have been in frequent communication with his agents since attempting and failing to sign him in 2017.
Nonetheless, the article notes that it would be a “surprise” to see Mbappe wear the Liverpool jersey next year, and Real Madrid remains his most likely destination if he decides to leave PSG in 2024.
Mbappe has a club-record 224 goals in 272 appearances for PSG since breaking onto the scene at Monaco, usurping Edinson Cavani at the top of the rankings last season, in addition to nine assists.
Despite the persistent speculation about his next professional move, the 24-year-old has begun the 2023-24 season in typically ruthless form, scoring 12 goals in 12 Premier League and Champions League games.
Mbappe’s probable arrival at Liverpool might have an impact on Mohamed Salah’s future, who was persistently chased by Al-Ittihad over the summer, but Liverpool said he was not for sale and turned down a £150 million approach.
Salah’s contract with the Reds expires in 2025, but Jurgen Klopp’s team will be on the lookout for potential bids from Saudi Pro League clubs in January or at the end of the season.
