Liverpool make decision on rumored €300 million bid to sign Kylian Mbappe - Reports
Liverpool are reportedly not set to make a bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has poured cold water on claims that the Reds may be joining Real Madrid in the race for the Frenchman.
Jacobs refutes reports that a potential €300 million bid is being prepared by the Premier League giants. He says that those around the Merseyside club are downplaying a pursuit for Mbappe.
The PSG striker is reportedly available for sale this summer after informing the Ligue 1 champions that he won't be extending his contract. Madrid are the frontunners to sign the 24-year-old, with a €200 million valuation being reported.
However, Liverpool were touted as potential suitors for the prolific forward, and they do hold prior interest. Kylian Mbappe confirmed in May last year that he did hold talks with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp over a potential move (via The Telegraph):
“We talked a little bit but not too much. We talked a little bit."
The Anfield outfit were in the race to sign Mbappe, with his prior contract with PSG set to expire in the summer. However, he chose to sign a new two-year deal with the option of a further year, snubbing Madrid, Liverpool and a few others in the process.
The Frenchman was at his best in the season that followed, bagging 41 goals and ten assists in 43 games across competitions. However, his future at the Parc des Princes is once again in doubt.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate defends Kylian Mbappe after criticism over France captaincy
Kylian Mbappe was named France's new captain following Hugo Lloris' retirement after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps' decision didn't sit well with many.
Several fans and the media felt that Antoine Griezmann was a better option, given his age and experience. The Atletico Madrid forward was made vice-captain.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate defended Mbappe amid the criticism he received after being named the new France captain. Konate told Eurosport that the PSG striker deserved it:
"Honestly, Kylian deserves it. We’re unanimous on this. He deserves it with what he’s done at the World Cup and with PSG as well."
Mbappe picked up the Golden Boot at last year's FIFA World Cup, scoring eight goals in seven games. Konate defended Mbappe's character and added that the striker has the leadership qualities to flourish in the role:
"He’s a very good leader, on and off the pitch. He’s a young lad who loves to laugh and have fun, nothing more. He’s a very good person. Some may think he’s arrogant.
"It’s something I was asked about in my club and elsewhere. To them, I say ‘Are you crazy? He’s so nice.’ Of course, he will be a good skipper."
Kylian Mbappe has captained his national team four times, with Les Blues winning all four games. He has quickly become the protagonist of French football.