Kylian Mbappe's outspoken statements have pushed the limits of PSG's tolerance. There is no guarantee that the French star will fulfill his contract until 2024 at Parc des Princes. In the worst-case scenario of Mbappe's departure, has PSG come up with a solution?
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge the immense difficulty of this situation. Mbappe is one of the world's finest players, with very few peers in terms of his current level. It's worth noting that Mbappe is only 24 years old, with a promising future ahead of him. Mbappe is also aware that he needs to continually improve to achieve his goal of winning the Ballon d'Or.
Due to Mbappe's boundless potential, PSG has always regarded him as a core part of their present and future development. Since his acquisition from Monaco in 2017, PSG has never excluded him from their plans. Even during critical moments like the summer of 2021 when Mbappe was on the verge of a potential century-defining contract with Real Madrid, PSG made every effort to reverse the situation. However, PSG cannot prioritize individual interests over the club's well-being. Life in Paris must go on even without Mbappe. Below are some potential "firefighting" options.
The first name that comes to mind is Neymar. The Brazilian superstar's recent poor form has led to fans questioning and sometimes forgetting his presence in Paris. However, it is Neymar, not Mbappe, who holds the record for being the world's most expensive player. Neymar's footballing talent is beyond debate; he just lacks consistency. Who knows, if given the role of the number one star again, the "number 10" might revive his career?
Clearly, a financially well-endowed team like PSG always has options in the transfer market. If they have to find a replacement for Mbappe, PSG has several choices, especially within the age range of 22-25. However, the price tags for these players are around €100 million. Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos, and Rasmus Hojlund are all highly sought-after targets in the 2023 summer transfer window. Among them, Kolo Muani seems to be the most suitable option for PSG. The 24-year-old French player can play both as a winger and a striker, resembling a clone of Mbappe. Kolo Muani's potential is also highly regarded, as he contributed to 27 goals last season while playing for Frankfurt, his former club. Additionally, by replacing a French player with another French player, PSG would not need to allocate an extra "home-grown" spot when registering for the Champions League.
Kolo Muani is not short of suitors, just like Osimhen. The Nigerian forward is considered the second-best under-25 striker after Erling Haaland. Osimhen is a true center forward, possessing not only impressive speed but also height and physical strength. Not long ago, the 24-year-old striker expressed his dream of playing in the Premier League. However, English clubs are hesitant due to Napoli's asking price of over €100 million. If Mbappe is sold, PSG would have the financial means to acquire Osimhen. Alternatively, with a similar price tag but slightly older, PSG could go for Harry Kane. Paris Saint-Germain's competitive advantage in this deal lies in Tottenham's unwillingness to sell domestically. Kane is keen to leave and will consider reasonable offers.
"PSG wants Ousmane Dembele if Mbappe departs? I've heard this story for a year, but it never happened," shared Joan Laporta. "Dembele wants to stay at Barca, and I don't think he cares about going anywhere. PSG is a dirty club. They always create chaos around players to force them into accepting unfair deals."
