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With star forward Kylian Mbappe set to depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the club must look for alternatives to the France national team captain
Kylian Mbappe's announcement of his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. After seven illustrious years at the club, the French superstar is set to leave on a free transfer in the summer, with Real Madrid emerging as his most likely destination.
As PSG looks to fill the void left by one of their greatest talents, here are five players who could potentially step into Mbappe's shoes.
1. Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian striker has been a revelation at Napoli, boasting a stellar record of 26 goals in 32 matches during the 2022/23 season and playing a pivotal role in securing Napoli's first league title in 33 years. Osimhen's prowess in front of goal and his physical attributes make him a favorite among pundits to replace Mbappe.
However, prying Osimhen away from Napoli would be a costly affair, with his price tag estimated at least €150 million following a new deal signed in the winter.
2. Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao's explosive nature and knack for scoring crucial goals draw comparisons to Mbappe, making him an attractive option for PSG. The AC Milan forward has, however, experienced a dip in form, with only three league goals to his name in the current campaign.
Despite this, acquiring Leao would demand a significant investment, with a transfer fee that could reach up to €175 million.
3. Rodrygo
Real Madrid's Rodrygo offers a similar playing style to Mbappe and possesses the versatility to operate across the front three. With the potential arrival of Mbappe at Real Madrid, Rodrygo might find opportunities limited, making a move to PSG plausible.
While not as prolific a goal scorer as Mbappe, Rodrygo's potential for improvement and adaptability make him an intriguing prospect, albeit with the caveat that he may not provide the immediate goal threat PSG would seek in a replacement.
4. Bernardo Silva
A long-time target for PSG, Bernardo Silva brings Ligue 1 experience from his time at Monaco, where he played alongside Mbappe. Known for his creativity and technical skill, Silva has expressed a willingness to depart Manchester City.
City's reluctance to sell and Silva's midfield position bring the possible deal into question as he would not be a direct like-for-like replacement for Mbappe, though his acquisition could still bolster PSG's attacking options.
5. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's Egyptian king, has been nothing short of sensational, with 204 goals in seven seasons. With Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp leaving, Salah might be open to a new challenge, and PSG has long harboured interest in him.
At 31, Salah's age might be a concern, and PSG would also face competition from Saudi Arabian clubs. Nevertheless, Salah's proven track record and star power make him a compelling option to fill the void left by Mbappe.
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