Kylian Mbappe could be a target for Manchester City in the summer depending on PSG’s financial situation.
According to The Daily Mirror, Financial Fair Play rules could influence PSG to sell Mbappe with the Citizens first in line to sign him. The Parisians have an agreement to sign him in the summer for £167 million from Monaco. They loaned him this season in order to try to help stay within FFP regulations.
He was bought along with Neymar to take the club to the next level in the Champions League. However, this failed to materialise in their first season together because they were knocked out in the Round of Sixteen by holders Real Madrid. The main issue with the team was the imbalance towards the devastating forward trio which hindered PSG’s cohesiveness as a unit defensively and offensively.
Failing to comply with FFP regulations leaves them at risk of fines and, most importantly, potentially being kicked out of the Champions League. Fines could cause them to sell some of their best players with Neymar and Mbappe being the most expensive stars they have.
Is it feasible?
City could afford Mbappe especially if they sell Sergio Aguero in the summer. However, the main question is whether PSG would actually sell him. They would probably need to sell players if they break FFP regulations. Their squad is large, though, and players such as Angel Di Maria, Julian Draxler and Goncalo Guedes could be sold instead.
It also appears that Neymar is starting to itch for a move away even though this is his first season at the club. If given the chance, it’s likely that he would move on. PSG being banned from the Champions League makes them a lot less appealing especially with the individual awards he has in mind.
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Therefore, the Mbappe move is unlikely to happen, although it’s not impossible. External factors will play a large factor in the likelihood of it happening. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him playing under Guardiola at some time based on the Catalan’s stellar record of developing top prospects.
Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to be the next PSG manager, so the future is bright in that regard for the Parisians. He produced some entertaining football in his time at Borussia Dortmund and managed to win the 2016/17 DFB-Pokal. BVB’s recent struggles have significantly helped his reputation in that regard.
Where would he play?
Mbappe has played all across the forward line in his time with Monaco and PSG as well as the French national team. This versatility makes him even more appealing for a manager such as Pep Guardiola. He is supremely talented with the potential to be a top player. The variety of positions he can play increases his value, though, and helps make him multidimensional as an attacker.
He is best used as a central forward or a wide forward on the left. This would mean that he would either be competing with Gabriel Jesus or Leroy Sane for a starting position. His lightning pace and intelligent movement makes him a dangerous threat vertically with runs in behind the opposition defence. The decision-making and vision he possesses make him a real threat when he has space to run into.
Working through low blocks is an area he needs to work on, but he can work well in tight spaces. His time in wide areas has helped him improve his 1v1 ability, which is useful when playing against compact defences. Guardiola’s style allows his team to dominate opponents and create plenty of clear-cut chances. This is similar to PSG in Ligue 1, although that is due to the difference in individual quality compared to other French teams. City have a much more structured style of play, therefore, there is a lot less of a reliance on individual brilliance.
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A move to City would allow him to continue his rapid progression while also making their attack one of the scariest in world football. The Citizens already have a star-studded team filled with some of the best Under-23 talent; Mbappe has the potential to be the jewel in the crown. It’s unlikely to happen, but it’s a move that neutrals would love to see.