Mbappe FC: Changes Kylian will make as part of his new PSG deal
Paul Macdonald
- Updated: 22 May 2022 23:28 BST
- 3 min read
Kylian Mbappe's new PSG deal has handed him unprecedented powers over how the club will be run for the duration of his three-year contract.
Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has given the French superstar virtual autonomy to hire and fire and do whatever else he sees fit in what truly is a unique deal in footballing terms.
But what type of changes will Mbappe look to make from the very start?
Leonardo to leave PSG
It has all but been confirmed that Leonardo's stint as sporting director is over. The Mbappe entourage reportedly did not particularly enjoy working with the Brazilian and this new deal spells nothing but bad news for him.
Mbappe will have him replaced as soon as possible, and that man is likely to be...
Luis Campos, new sporting director
Luis Campos was the man who masterminded Mbappe's decision to sign for Monaco and essentially kicked off the 23-year-old's rise to the very top.
It is thought that he is Mbappe's preferred choice to take over from Leonardo and oversee the sporting director roles, safe in the knowledge that he has a good relationship with him and should allow a smooth transition.
Mauricio Pochettino out
Pochettino's time at PSG is almost certainly coming to an end, too. Despite winning Ligue 1 his spell in Paris has been far from impressive and it's known that he does not enjoy working with the egos in the dressing room.
The damaging Champions League exit to Real Madrid effectively sealed his fate and given Mbappe's new-found powers it's likely to push the role of coach very much into the background.
It means that Mbappe will likely hand-pick his own boss who respects but ultimately can work with.
Zinedine Zidane in as coach
Reports from France suggest that Zidane remains the main target to replace Pochettino and talks have been ongoing for some time.
Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid and has flirted with the role at PSG in the past, despite his affiliation with Bordeaux.
Other reports suggest, however, that a shortlist is being drawn up and that Zidane isn't necessarily the main target. Other potential options include former Germany international boss Joachim Low, while Belgium's Roberto Martinez is also thought to be being considered.
New signings - and some exits
Angel Di Maria is already heading out of the exit door, having made his final appearance in the 5-0 defeat of Metz on Saturday evening. But he is unlikely to be the last.
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Other fringe players such as Leandro Paredes, Mauro Icardi and Ander Herrera may find themselves surplus to requirements under the Mbappe revolution.
Some other arrivals could happen too, particularly players who are close to Mbappe. Aurelian Tchouameni is another long-term Real Madrid target, and Mbappe will allegedly like him to join in midfield, as well as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele - a known friend of Mbappe.
