3 players who can replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG

Kylian Mbappe’s time at PSG seems to be coming to an end. After being denied a move to Real Madrid last season (via The Guardian), the Frenchman is very likely to complete his dream move to the La Liga giants.

Mbappe has been offered a humongous contract of £800,000-a-week (as per Goal.com), but it doesn’t look like he wants to stay at PSG any longer. The Frenchman wants to move into the next phase of his career with an elite European club like Real Madrid, a team that aspires to win major titles every season.

PSG have to get ready for a future without their maestro. The Ligue 1 giants have enough money to be able to buy a quality replacement if needed.

Here’s a look at the three players who could replace Mbappe at PSG.

PSG’s next big signing: Mo Salah?

While the prospect of signing Mo Salah is a really challenging one, nothing is quite impossible for PSG in terms of transfers. They proved that by signing the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar over the last decade. Salah is satisfied with his position at Liverpool, but is irked after they rejected his demands to sign a new £400,000-a-week contract (via The Mirror).

As a result, he can perhaps be tempted to leave Anfield – but only if the offer is right. That would mean PSG have to produce a significant personal offer to him, perhaps a salary higher than his £400,000-a-week demands. If Salah really pushes for a move, with his current deal expiring in 2023, Liverpool might have to sell.

To replace a blockbuster, impactful player like Mbappe – PSG needs a superstar like Salah. The Egyptian is one of the world’s best and has 44 goal contributions this season (30 goals, 14 assists). Moreover, the prospect of him linking up with Messi, Neymar et al is mouth-watering though it would be a nightmare for opponents.

PSG might have to spend really big to get him, but it’d be well worth it as he’d not only be a perfect replacement for Mbappe, but also give them that extra edge to win the Champions League.

Surprise move for Darwin Nunez

If PSG wants to sign an out-and-out, traditional centre-forward to lead their line next season, Darwin Nuñez is a prime option. He could fill the spot left by Mbappe and be the second coming of Edinson Cavani for the French side.

Nuñez is actually very similar to El Matador. The Uruguayan is tall, fast and loves to press the opposition players nicely. He has the tendency to get behind defenders into prime positions to score goals. WhoScored states his strengths as finishing, dribbling, long shots and key passes – basically meaning he’s the whole package.

Darwin has 31 goals in all competitions this season, only two fewer than Mbappe, and he’s not playing alongside Messi or Neymar. As per The Athletic, PSG are one of the contenders to sign him so they are in for the 22-year-old.

If the French giants want to replace Mbappe with a similarly vibrant, rapid player with an unpredictable side to him – Nuñez is an ideal option – even though they might have to shell out €80m for him.

Christopher Nkunku to return home?

A graduate of PSG’s academy, Christopher Nkunku has taken his game to a whole new level since leaving the club in 2019. The Frenchman has unlocked his ultimate ability for RB Leipzig this season and has proven to be one of the most exciting players in the Bundesliga.

Nkunku has 50 goal contributions in all competitions this season, including 30 goals and 20 assists! He can play basically anywhere in the attacking third and although not a natural centre-forward, Nkunku can play there. Indeed, in five appearances as a centre-forward this season, he’s scored 3 goals and registered 2 assists.

As per 90min, PSG are thinking about bringing Nkunku back next season. He probably wouldn’t be the perfect No. 9, but he can light up the attack with his versatility and ability to create something special.

Nkunku’s numbers prove his ability, but if that’s not enough, here are his strengths (as per WhoScored): Passing, dribbling, long shots, ability to hold onto the ball, set-piece ability, free-kick taking ability, crossing and key passes.

He is the real deal and will only get better if playing with PSG’s superstars. Leipzig would want around €75m for him, but seeing his stats from this season, Nkunku could well be an ideal replacement for Mbappe.