Liverpool to "accelerate and overtake" to complete Kylian Mbappe transfer in 2024

Much like three Liverpool stars, Kylian Mbappe is free to negotiate his next transfer without breaking any rules as his enormous Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in less than six months. A move to Anfield is unrealistic but the swirling reports suggest a move to Merseyside is not entirely off the table.

In fact, the latest reports suggest Liverpool "have a chance" of signing Mbappe. The former AS Monaco wonderkid is now 25 and his next move will play a huge role in determining the course of his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.

There's no denying he is a generational talent but until he competes in one of the most challenging leagues in Europe, there will always be people downplaying his achievements.

What did PSG coach Luis Enrique say about Mbappe's transfer fate?

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was asked about Mbappe's future at a press conference.

It's safe to say that his answer wasn't exactly filled with confidence.

Enrique said: “I will manage this issue as I have always done. It’s not something that depends on me. I am not the person who should respond to this matter.”

It's almost certain that Mbappe will not be at PSG come the start of the 2024/25 season but where will he go?

Could it be Liverpool, Real Madrid or another team?

Liverpool set to "accelerate and overtake" Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe

That's quite a statement, eh?

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are set to compete for Mbappe's signature and could even beat Real Madrid in what would go down as one of the most exciting signings any team has ever made.

The report states that "except for a major surprise" Mbappe will not renew his contract with PSG which is set to expire on 30 June 2024. Interested clubs will therefore not be required to pay a transfer fee to sign him.

MD reports that it "has been revealed" that Liverpool are seriously interested in signing Mbappe and could "accelerate and overtake" Real Madrid in the race to sign him this year.

It would take a monumental financial effort to sign Mbappe.

How much would it cost to sign Mbappe even without a transfer fee?

While Liverpool would not have to spend a penny to sign him from PSG, who paid £166 million (€192M) to sign him in 2017, it will not be a cheap signing by any metric whatsoever.

The Frenchman was the subject of a world-record transfer bid worth £250 million (€300M) from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal (they bid £150M for Salah in the summer).

They even offered an annual salary worth €700m (£600M) but to sign Mbappe, Liverpool will have to contend with a huge signing bonus, agent fees and his astronomical wages. As well as any other hidden costs not available for public scrutiny.

It doesn't seem likely Liverpool will be able to afford this transfer unless Mbappe is willing to accept a huge salary cut on his current wages with PSG.

The 25-year-old reportedly earns £888,000 per week which is roughly £535,000 more per week than Liverpool pay Mohamed Salah.

The Reds are trying to extend the Egyptian's contract beyond 2025 which will eat into their finances further.

If Liverpool can somehow hold onto Salah and sign Mbappe, they will have the undisputed best attack in Europe. However, it's difficult to imagine this transfer being completed unless FSG break character and throw money at the Frenchman.

We'll see what happens. As always, further updates will be shared when they emerge.

Read recent speculation on Liverpool's long-standing interest in Kylian Mbappe.