PSG Contact Mbappe's Possible $197M Replacement Ahead Of Transfer Window: Report

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reportedly contacted the representatives of Liverpool FC superstar Mo Salah ahead of the summer transfer window. PSG are eyeing Salah as an ideal long-term replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is tipped to leave the Ligue 1 champions this summer, according to French publication TeleFoot.

Mbappe’s current deal with PSG is due to expire in June 2022. PSG would want to either tie the Frenchman in a new deal before the end of the ongoing season or cash in on him this summer.

Mbappe is yet to decide on his future at PSG amid links with other top European clubs, including Real Madrid as he wants to solely concentrate on the 2020-21 campaign, where PSG are very much alive in the league and the top European tournament, Champions League.

Being at PSG since 2017, Mbappe has scored 123 goals along with 60 assists in 163 appearances for Le Parc des Princes side. Even in the underway season, he has been on fire, having been involved in 43 goals (33 goals and 10 assists) in 39 matches, across all competitions. In PSG’s last three Champions League fixtures, Mbappe has scored six goals, including a hat-trick at FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. He recently helped PSG defeat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the quarters' first leg at the Allianz Arena.

It is understood that PSG and Mbappe’s representatives have been in regular touch regarding the player’s future in Paris. Even though PSG are keen on Mbappe signing an extension, the club is prepared for possibilities. Hence, the French club has begun to track a few suitable replacements for Mbappe and Salah is being considered as a more favored striker to take over the PSG attack.

Salah, who has been Liverpool’s top scorer in each of the seasons since his arrival at Anfield in 2017, is contracted with The Reds until 2023. PSG made their first contact with Salah’s agents last month, the TeleFoot report further stated. The Egypt national has netted 122 goals and 45 assists in as many as 195 competitive games for Liverpool. He was a vital cog of Jurgen Klopp’s side that won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup between 2019 and 2020.

Salah, who is also being linked with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, is believed to be valued at around $197 million in the current European market.

Apart from Salah, PSG are also monitoring FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.