Barcelona enter race for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe

Barcelona toss their name in the ring for the Paris Saint-Germain star

Barcelona’s 4-0 El Clasico win seems to not only have gotten the attention of target Erling Haaland, it may have gotten Kylian Mbappé’s as well.

According to French outlet, L’Equipe, the Catalans are officially in the running for the Paris Saint-Germain star.

The report states that while Real Madrid and PSG are still the favorites, Mbappé has not closed the door on Barcelona.

Real Madrid have been the favorites to acquire the Frenchman ever since he decided not to sign an extension with PSG. The Parisian side continues to do all it can to get him to stay but a departure remains the most likely scenario.

While Real Madrid and PSG certainly have the edge financially speaking, what Barcelona can offer that perhaps neither of the other two sides can is a solid sporting project — something that could not have been said when Ronald Koeman was in charge.

Since Xavi Hernandez took over, he’s managed to turn a rudderless Barcelona team around. The win over Los Blancos was the statement win they needed to show they were on the right track.

Despite Madrid knocking out PSG in the Champions League, it’s become quite clear they are a work in progress and have taken advantage of poor starts from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to be so far ahead in the standings.

Madrid’s midfield is getting older and even though Benzema seems to be getting better with age, he’s still on the wrong side of 30.

As for PSG, they are a mess and their constant failures in Europe continue despite shelling out loads of money for talent. Mauricio Pochettino is likely to get the sack once the season ends and Mbappé could be fed up.

It may be easy to overlook the “Xavi effect” but the way he’s not only gotten results but also improved underperforming players is a credit to him as a manager.

If Haaland was the priority heading into next season, the glimmer of hope they can land Mbappé is certainly going to change things. For one, signing Mbappé could end up costing the club less than the Norwegian striker.

Mbappé would arrive on a free and even if they were to succumb to the high wages, they would likely pay less when it comes to agent fees.

At the same time, it could just be a negotiation tactic to get Real Madrid to increase their offer to Mbappé.

In any case, the Mbappé saga has taken a rather unexpected turn. It would be some move for both the club and president Joan Laporta if they are able to snatch the talented Frenchman away from their bitter rivals.