Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Could Be the Persuading Factors for Kylian Mbappe to Join Liverpool Instead of Real Madrid.
As reported by ESPN, Mbappe is set to decide his future in the coming weeks. Liverpool and Real Madrid are considered the most plausible destinations for the French forward.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG is set to expire in June, and the 25-year-old is rumored not to activate the one-year extension option. Instead, Mbappe is allowed to negotiate freely with any non-French club for a summer move under Bosman rules.
Real Madrid has long been considered a frontrunner in the race for Mbappe. In the summer of 2022, the Spanish giants came close to securing the French forward. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool is believed to maintain interest in the 25-year-old.
Although it may be challenging for the ‘Reds’ to meet Mbappe’s substantial wage demand of €650,000 per week, the French striker could be swayed by the prospect of moving to the Premier League instead of La Liga, reigniting the competition with Erling Haaland of Man City.
Dreaming of a new-generation arch-rivalry
Haaland and Mbappe are widely regarded by fans and football experts alike as two of the best attacking players in the world. Therefore, Mbappe’s move to Liverpool could potentially form a new-generation arch-rivalry, akin to what Messi and Ronaldo achieved in the past.
Messi and Ronaldo, a duo that has collectively won 13 Ballon d’Or awards, propelled each other to greatness during nearly a decade of playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
If Mbappe moves to Liverpool, he will have the opportunity to regularly face Haaland, creating fierce competition between the two players, reminiscent of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.
However, ESPN reveals that any potential move by Liverpool for Mbappe could depend on the future of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward is currently the target of a £150 million offer from Saudi Arabia this summer.
Meanwhile, Mbappe aims to make a decision about his future early in January, which could pose a significant obstacle for Liverpool in their efforts to acquire the French forward.
Furthermore, PSG is actively working to retain Mbappe. The wealthy French club is confident that a successful first season under coach Luis Enrique will be persuasive enough to keep the 25-year-old player. PSG currently tops the Ligue 1 standings and has advanced to the Champions League Round of 16.
