Liverpool have made a last-ditch attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe as they plot to thwart Real Madrid twice in two weeks as the 2022 Champions League final draws closer and closer.
36 goals and 26 goals in 45 games is an outrageous return for a 23-year-old even if 25 of the goals and 19 of the assists came in Ligue 1 – a league widely considered to be one of Europe’s less impressive.
That said, the French superstar scored 6 and assisted 6 in the Champions League before Real Madrid – his most likely summer destination – knocked PSG out in the quarter-finals.
What does the press say about Liverpool’s interest?
On Monday, we covered a story which saw Foot Mercato journo Santi Aouna claim Liverpool are the third club – a mystery suitor – in the race to sign former AS Monaco star.
The Independent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, stated Liverpool “cannot take their eyes” off the rapid forward while an image rights issue is holding up a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, AS reports that Liverpool are set to make ‘one final offer’ to thwart Madrid’s efforts to sign Mbappe. It’s difficult to imagine FSG sanctioning a personal offer to the player when it has been widely reported he will earn over £500,000/week if he were to move to La Liga to join the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
A report from Marca, however, claims Liverpool have been working ‘secretly’ and ‘under the covers’ to sign Mbappe but they go on to say that Mbappe has ‘ruled them out’.
Is there any point in dreaming of Mbappe sealing an incredible move to Liverpool?
Not really no.
We all know that anything can happen in football and Liverpool are the best team in the world right now, challenging for the quadruple while fighting against the incredible Manchester City, but signing Mbappe seems to be beyond FSG and the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp may still well win the Premier League on the final day of the season while there is a distinct possibility that he will win the Champions League in Paris – his only genuine chance to overcome Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are poised to sign Kylian Mbappe and barring what would surely constitute a footballing miracle, he’s not likely to move to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp comments on move for Mbappe
Klopp himself said: “Will we be involved in [Mbappe negotiations]? No.
“About him. Of course, we are interested, we are not blind!
“I have nothing to say but between Kylian and Liverpool, it’s all set, it’s all fine.
“We of course like him and if you don’t like him, you have to question yourself.”
That should not come as heartbreaking news even if it’s disappointing to know Liverpool won’t make signings of this nature due to the effect it would have on their wage structure and squad morale.
If Mohamed Salah is not being paid the wages he has been demanding all season in contract negotiations with FSG, what chance is there of the club signing a player and paying him half a million pounds every week?
Virtually none. Sorry.