Revealed: PSG identify dream Mbappe replacement

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 25 Feb 2023 13:12 GMT
• 3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified their dream candidate to replace Kylian Mbappe should the Frenchman leave the club to join Real Madrid.

Mbappe, 24, has been heavily linked with a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu for years, but decided to extend his contract at PSG last summer, rather than join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

However, despite that setback, multiple reports have indicated that Mbappe remains a key transfer target for Los Blancos, despite their recent signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.

READ: Salah lined up as Messi replacement at PSG

Mbappe's current deal at the Parc des Princes is set to expire in 2024, and there are reportedly concerns amongst those at PSG that he could leave once his deal comes to an end.

As a result, they have begun a succession plan and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior has been identified as the perfect candidate to replace Mbappe in the French capital, according to Planeta Real Madrid.

READ: Vinicius can still improve says Real Madrid legend Kroos

Vinicius to PSG?

Planeta Real Madrid have reported that Los Blancos remain eager to sign Mbappe and as a result, PSG will try to lure Vinicius Jr to France with the promise of a starring role.

Mbappe and Vinicius both play off the left, and while the Frenchman can feature as a central striker, he has repeatedly stressed that it isn't his favoured position. Therefore, the two may not be able to co-exist in Madrid.

It remains to be seen if Real Madrid would even be willing to let Vini Jr leave, however. Carlo Ancelotti admitted he believes the Brazilian is the "most decisive player in the world" after his brace against Liverpool, while Toni Kroos revealed: "He [Vinicius] is going to be among the best players in the world."

Vinicius' current Real Madrid contract runs until 2024, meaning Los Blancos must tie him down to a new deal or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.