The image that suggests Mbappe could be set to commit his future to PSG

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe’s future at Paris Saint-Germain may continue to hang in the balance, but there were encouraging signs for fans of the Ligue 1 club on Wednesday as he helped them into the Coupe de France final.

Mbappe scored once in either half as PSG were held to a 2-2 draw against Montpellier in the semi-final at Stade de la Mosson, but the capital side ultimately held their nerve to triumph 6-5 after a penalty shootout.

READ MORE: What does Neymar’s contract extension mean for Mbappe at PSG?

On his return from a calf injury that saw him miss the Champions League semi-final second-leg defeat to Manchester City and a 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with Rennes, he showed his value to the side with two classy goals.

For his first, scored in the 10th minute, he accelerated hard onto a deft through ball before lifting a shot into the roof of the net. His second, which was scored soon after the break, saw him drive into the box before cutting inside past a defender and easily finishing having created a huge opportunity for himself.

Mbappe shows he’s happy at PSG

Both goals arrived almost out of nothing, highlighting the extra dimension he brings to PSG and why they are so eager to extend his current deal, which expires in 2022.

Mbappe, though, has thus far been reticent to sign a new deal, leaving open the prospect of him departing the club for a fee this summer or next on a free transfer.

Real Madrid have notably been interested in the forward, while Liverpool have been linked to him, too.

Amid concerns that Mbappe is unsettled at PSG, though, there emerged a notably image from the Montpellier victory. After scoring his second goal, the attacker ran towards head coach Mauricio Pochettino and offered him an embrace.

While this certainly does not offer any definitive proof that Mbappe is about to commit his long-term future to PSG, it reinforces the idea that he still has the club’s best interests in mind during what is a complicated time.