Drogba speaks out on Liverpool and Man Utd’s Mbappe transfer hopes

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe’s future at PSG remains a source of debate, with Manchester United and Liverpool having both been linked with the France international striker in recent weeks.

Although Mbappe only signed a new deal with the Ligue 1 champions in the summer, there were reports of unrest at the club after his wages were paid late.

Real Madrid continue to be associated with the player, despite his stunning snub in the summer, and it is now the Premier League that is considered to be the 23-year-old’s likeliest destination when he does leave Paris.

MORE: Kylian Mbappe at PSG - Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23

Didier Drogba, who is friendly with the player, has lifted the lid on the Premier League clubs’ chances of signing the player.

In his capacity as a pundit for BBC Sport at the World Cup, he was asked if Mbappe needs to leave PSG for a big Premier League side to fulfil his potential.

Drogba replied: “I think that’s what we all expect him to do, but I know him a little bit and he really wants to make a statement by winning the Champions League with PSG. It would mean a lot for him and a lot for PSG as well.”

MORE: Ronaldo OUT, Mbappe IN: Man Utd’s €170m monster bid

Are Mbappe and Drogba friends?

The Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend may have a positive relationship with Mbappe now – but it has not always been that way. When the France star was just a kid, Drogba refused a photograph with him following Chelsea’s controversial Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

He made amends at the 2019 Ballon d’Or.

“Ten years ago after Chelsea versus Barcelona, a child came to me and wanted to take a picture,” Drogba said.

“That day I said no because of the disgraceful refereeing decisions. I learned that the child was Kylian Mbappe. I want to pay my debt now.”

He has since become acquaintances with Mbappe, so his words on the player’s immediate future carry significant weight.