Liverpool 'exploring parameters' for Kylian Mbappe transfer

Liverpool are "exploring the financial and sporting parameters" that would be involved in a move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, according to one report.

Mbappe's contract at PSG is set to expire next summer, while his next move has been the subject of much speculation.

Back in the summer it appeared that the man who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final was set to leave the French capital after a very public falling-out with the PSG hierarchy.

Mbappe was sent to train with an unwanted group of players dubbed the 'undesirables' and was even the subject of a huge-money bid from the Saudi Pro League. However, club and player have since patched things up, with Mbappe scoring 14 times in just 12 Ligue 1 games in 2023/24 so far.

There is even talk that the former Monaco forward could renew his deal at PSG once again, while Real Madrid – the club he was long expected to join – have reportedly cooled their interest due to financial concerns.

Now the Daily Record's Duncan Castles reports that Mbappe is weighing up his options.

The report claims that Mbappe "has been impressed" by recent changes at PSG, while the club are said to be "relaxed" about their star asset's future. However, the 24-year-old is keen to tie his future to a club where he can win the Champions League and a much-coveted Ballon d'Or.

It is claimed that PSG would be happy for Mbappe to extend his current terms by a year, until the summer of 2025, before discussing a longer-term commitment.

Meanwhile, Castles writes that Liverpool "have begun exploring the financial and sporting parameters involved in persuading Mbappe to move to the Premier League" on a free transfer next summer, noting that the player is an admirer of Jurgen Klopp and the Reds.

Arsenal and Real Madrid are also name-checked as possible options in the report.

Unrealistic dream

Recently, reports in Spain claimed that Madrid had pulled out of the running for Mbappe after the forward asked for a contract of €35m (£30m) per year (after tax), as well as a massive €100m (£87m) signing-on bonus, opening the door to other suitors.

One recent report in France claimed that Liverpool have always remained optimistic about a move for the striker. However, the real-world chances of the Reds actually being able to match Mbappe's demands appear very slim.

Using the reported figures, Mbappe would require a salary equivalent to £575k a week (net) from his next club – vastly more than the Reds' current top earner Mohamed Salah, who is on a reported £350k a week (gross). And, that's not factoring in bonuses.

Those numbers already represent a significant discount on Mbappe's current deal, with PSG reportedly paying out as much as €72m (£63m) a year for the player who finished third in this year's Ballon d'Or.

Simply put, Mbappe would be the most expensive 'free' transfer of all time and likely out of Liverpool's price range – even in the event that Salah leaves next summer.