A leading European football agent has identified Manchester City as one of only three clubs capable of signing Kylian Mbappe.
The 24-year-old attacker has made it clear that he does not intend to stay at Paris Saint-Germain beyond the expiration of his current contract next summer.
However, during the unveiling of new manager Luis Enrique, PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi told reporters that Mbappe leaving for free in 2024 was ‘impossible’.
That stance makes a big money move this summer or in January more likely, placing Europe’s leading clubs on high alert.
City capable of signing Mbappe
According to French football agent Bruno Satin, City are one of the few teams that would be able to afford the World Cup winner.
“It’s difficult to give a price for Mbappe,” Satin told L’Equipe, via the Daily Mail.
“A normal club, that is to say not a club-state, will not in my opinion pay £170m today.
“In my opinion, only Manchester City, Newcastle and Real Madrid can pay today. For me, the real price is between £85m and £130m, after which there can be bonuses to go up to £170m or almost.
“If there are few suitors, it is not likely to increase its price.”
Having signed Erling Haaland last summer, City might well rule themselves out of the race for the Frenchman’s signature.
According to Satin, Real Madrid are in pole position, despite Mbappe turning them down in 2021.
“There is certainly the length of the contract that comes into play,” he added.
“But today, which clubs are likely to welcome him? Not the English in my opinion.
“If they can pay the transfer, they do not give salaries like the one he has in Paris. In general, the highest are around £22m to £27m gross, but the English can compensate with marketing solutions.
“Today, I only see Real.”
MCN view: Mbappe is a saga City might want to avoid
Over the years City have refused to enter into bidding wars, so they may choose to stay clear of Mbappe.
The player’s personal conduct could be a red flag too.
After agitating for a move in 2021, Mbappe looked certain to join Real Madrid before performing a U-turn and signing a new contract at PSG.
Now, two years on, PSG have reportedly sent the star a letter accusing him of unsettling the club (The Athletic).
Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, but City could probably do without the star treatment he demands.
