PSG join Liverpool in race to sign 23-year-old England international as they aim to replace Kylian Mbappe: Reports
Liverpool reportedly face competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in pursuit of England winger Anthony Gordon as the Ligue 1 giants search for Kylian Mbappe's replacement. Luis Enrique will be without the prolific frontman next season and appears to have set his sights on the Newcastle United winger.
The Guardian reports that Gordon has been added to the Parisians' wishlist as they continue to look for Mbappe's heir. The pacey left-attacker flourished at Newcastle United last season with 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 games across competitions.
PSG are monitoring Gordon after failing to secure Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's signature. The Napoli forward was heavily linked with the Ligue 1 giants, but his club has insisted he's not for sale.
Liverpool were reportedly offered the chance to sign Gordon earlier this week. Newcastle looked to sell to help comply with financial rules and wanted the Reds' Jarell Quansah as part of a deal.
The Merseysiders rejected the proposal, but talks could resume over a potential transfer. The four-cap England international is currently in Germany with the Three Lions for the European Championships.
Gordon is one of English football's most exciting talents, having impressed last season. His development came at Everton, where he rose through the youth ranks at Goodison Park before heading to St James' Park for £45 million (including add-ons).
PSG is tasked with replacing Kylian Mbappe, who became arguably the greatest player in the Parisian's history. The France captain spent six years at the Parc des Princes and is their all-time top scorer with 256 goals and 108 assists in 308 games. He's sealed a long-awaited move to Real Madrid after his contract expired.
"If Salah went" - Ex-England star Darren Bent explains why Liverpool should have tried signing Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe's move to Madrid was a long time coming, as the La Liga giants had tracked him throughout his PSG spell. They failed to sign him in the summer of 2022 when he backtracked over a decision to join them.
Mohamed Salah has been at Liverpool since July 2017 and has similarly been as important to the Reds as Mbappe was to PSG. He's their third all-time top scorer with 134 goals in 349 games.
There was speculation over Mbappe's future last summer and during the 2023-24 campaign. Al-Ittihad reportedly failed with a £100 million bid for the Egyptian forward, but he remains one of the Saudi Pro League's top priorities.
Darren Bent explained why Liverpool fans may have been open to Salah's sale if Kylian Mbappe arrived. He told talkSPORT:
"Imagine you are trying to appease the Liverpool fans by going ‘listen, you are going to lose Salah, but Mbappé is coming. I still think Mbappé is the best player on the planet. He is incredible. That would work, if Salah went and he came in."
The former England and Tottenham Hotspur striker talked up the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner's versatility:
"I almost feel like that’s what Liverpool needs and he is versatile. He can play down the middle. Liverpool has a number of attacking players at the club that are versatile.”
Salah remained at Anfield last season and was vital in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge. He looks set to stay with the Merseysiders next season, and he's said he's looking forward to a new era under Arne Slot.