The prolonged wait has come to an end, unveiling the not-so-secret departure of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of the season.
Mbappe, who previously surprised many by opting for a new deal in Paris over a speculated move to Real Madrid in 2022, has now communicated his intention to leave PSG this summer to Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
The focus shifts to PSG’s next steps, with an internal list of potential replacements already in the works, featuring names like Marcus Rashford and Victor Osimhen. However, the enormity of filling Mbappe’s void is acknowledged, and PSG appears inclined to transition towards a youth-centric approach, banking on the development of Warren Zaire-Emery, Xavi Simons, and Bradley Barcola.
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Despite the promising prospects, there’s recognition that matching Mbappe’s impact might be a formidable challenge, leaving only four players in world football with the stature to even enter the conversation:
1. Erling Haaland:
Replacing a generational talent with another, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stands out as a prime candidate. With superstar status, a prolific goal-scoring record, and experience in winning big games, Haaland emerges as an ideal, albeit challenging, replacement.
2. Vinicius Junior:
With Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid, the exceptional talent of Vinicius Junior could be in question. The Brazilian possesses the ability to singlehandedly impact any game and could seamlessly fit into PSG’s setup.
3. Lautaro Martinez:
A year ago, suggesting Lautaro Martinez as a potential replacement might have raised eyebrows, but after stellar performances leading Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League final, he has established himself as one of the top forwards globally.
4. Mohamed Salah:
Considered as a short-term option, Salah could provide PSG with a temporary solution while younger talents develop. With Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, Salah’s marketability and on-field prowess make him a viable choice, bringing a consistent goal-scoring record at the highest level.
While the departure of Mbappe marks the end of an era for PSG, the search for a successor is framed by the acknowledgment that replicating Mbappe’s influence may be an elusive task.