Liverpool a 'credible and dangerous candidate' in Mbappe transfer saga

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 Jan 2024 18:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool are believed to be serious contenders to sign Kylian Mbappe due to their long-standing interest and Real Madrid's 'counterproductive' hard-ball stance.

The PSG star can officially negotiate with interested clubs regarding a free transfer switch in the summer. The French giants did not manage to convince Mbappe to extend his deal before the opening of the January window and now run the risk of losing their golden boy for nothing.

Mbappe, however, is in no rush to make a decision and has given no indication that he desperately wants to leave. On the contrary, people at PSG are confident that he will yet pen a new contract and finally put to bed this two-year transfer saga by committing to a long-term deal.

Real Madrid, Mbappe's most active suitors, have reportedly set a mid-January deadline for the 25-year-old to make a final decision on his future, but it is believed that he won't let himself be pressured into making a rash choice. On the contrary, he will likely only make up his mind in the spring.

According to Le Parisien, this hard-ball stance from Los Blancos is actually counterproductive and is opening the door for other interested clubs.

Liverpool in for Mbappe?

It is well-known that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old. In fact, Jurgen Klopp personally tried to convince the then-Monaco youngster to join the Reds in 2017, but to no avail.

With his contract up, the Reds are said to be sensing a potential chance to pounce. As Real Madrid have shot themselves in the foot with their deadline and with the PSG project still not looking completely convincing and good enough to win the Champions League, there is a sense that this is Liverpool's best opportunity to swoop in.

Though aware that there is only a minuscule chance of a move materialising, the Reds will give it a go. According to the above-mentioned report, Liverpool are "the most credible and dangerous candidate" in terms of posing a threat to PSG at this stage.

Mbappe is not indifferent to Klopp's long-standing admiration and the potential departure of Mohamed Salah for Saudi Arabia in the summer would allow the Frenchman to become the club's undisputed star player.