Barcelona's 'hope' for Liverpool Kylian Mbappe transfer

Barcelona are hopeful that Liverpool will convince Kylian Mbappe that the Premier League is a more attractive competition than La Liga, according to one report.

The speculation over the 25-year-old superstar's future continues to go on and on (and on and on...) with the forward now into the final six months of his Paris Saint-Germain contract and, as such, free to discuss terms over a summer transfer with any of his suitors.

PSG – despite going through a very public falling out with their star asset last summer – are still hopeful of convincing Mbappe to renew his massive contract in the French capital, while Real Madrid and Liverpool are seen as his most likely transfer destinations should he choose to leave.

Reporting on the 2018 World Cup winner's future has been mixed to say the least.

A story in France claimed this week that Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer, while ESPN are among those to say that the forward is still, as yet, undecided and that he is an 'admirer' of Liverpool.

Interestingly for Liverpool perhaps, ESPN's report adds that Mbappe could be prepared to accept a pay cut in his next contract – a virtual necessity if he were to realistically entertain a move to Anfield.

Mbappe's reported current wages at PSG far exceed those of the Reds' record earner Mohamed Salah, who is on around £350k a week.

Meanwhile, taking a different angle on the story, Mundo Deportivo (a Catalan outlet focussed on Barcelona) write that Mbappe would be given the 'king's throne' at Liverpool as an instant club icon.

It is added that the Premier League is 'much more attractive than La Liga' currently, and that all those concerned with Barça are holding out hope that this factor will be enough to convince Mbappe to turn down Real Madrid, where they fear he would pose a huge threat to Barcelona's success.

Barcelona have won just one of the last four La Liga titles and are currently seven points adrift of Real Madrid in the title race this season – with former Liverpool target Jude Bellingham leading the charge for Los Blancos.

MD's claim that the Premier League overall is a more attractive proposition than the Spanish top flight is hard to argue when looking at factors like level of talent, financial might and global popularity, but how much this plays into Mbappe's decision making remains to be seen.

Anfield Watch understands that due to the finances involved in any deal, Liverpool would only entertain a move for Mbappe in the even that Salah were to leave Liverpool.

Currently, 31-year-old Salah, who is enjoying a superb season, is leaning towards extending his contract beyond 2025, despite regular speculation over interest from Saudi Arabia.