After reports broke out over the weekend claiming that Kylian Mbappe wishes to leave PSG in 2021, it’s time to check out where the bookmakers think he’ll end up.
Mbappe is widely regarded as the next big thing in football, with many hailing him as the natural successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Such expectations, of course, are a huge burden for any player; especially for one as young as Kylian. The 21-year-old’s already vast achievements in football back it up, though, and more are likely on their way in the near future.
The question is whether Paris Saint-Germain are the right club to take him forward in his career? They may have reached the Champions League final last season but, in many ways, they are still a work in progress.
The Sunday Times, therefore, claimed over the weekend that Mbappe handed in his notice to PSG. He allegedly wants a move to either LaLiga or the Premier League for next summer, opening up a potential 5-10 way battle for his signature.
But where exactly should the French star go next? We’re talking about someone potentially capable of winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards in his career, who is already a proven all-round attacker with a lethal goal-scoring ability, pace, and technical skill to boot.
Gibraltarian bookmaker 888Sport on Oddschecker has already bit the bullet by naming Real Madrid as favorites at 11/1. It seems seven clubs are in the mix right now, with Liverpool being the most popular bet for punters at the time of writing.
The seven frontrunners to sign Mbappe in 2021
Pos | Club | Odds |
---|---|---|
1 | Real Madrid | 11/1 |
2 | Liverpool | 17/1 |
3 | Manchester City | 20/1 |
4 | FC Barcelona | 30/1 |
5 | Manchester United | 30/1 |
6 | Juventus | 40/1 |
7 | Chelsea | 50/1 |
Why Real Madrid are favorites
It’s worth noting that Mbappe hasn’t publicly stated any desire to leave the French capital as of right now. He tested positive for coronavirus last week and has since been in self-isolation in compliance with the health regulations.
Although former PSG man Jerome Rothen claimed that before the coronavirus pandemic that he had his heart set on a summer move to Real Madrid. Out of all seven clubs mentioned above, the Spanish giants are his most likely destination.
Former PSG midfielder Jerome Rothen says Kylian Mbappe almost agreed a move to Real Madrid before football's current break 👀 pic.twitter.com/UMsmAQQeRM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 12, 2020
While Los Blancos’ Champions League campaign was far from impressive by their usual lofty standards, there is plenty of potential brimming within the squad. They’ve built a new policy in recent years of snapping up the best talented youngsters, and Mbappe would certainly be the cherry on top of the cake.
PSG, in comparison, haven’t really had much to show from their own academy and there is little to suggest they’ll make another world-record signing like Neymar soon either. In fact, the Brazilian may not even be around himself in 2021.
Playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs would also serve Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or aspirations well in the future. Many of his peers, including the likes of Eden Hazard, have noted in the past that LaLiga is the best platform to build a case for winning the award. Especially considering Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance over the last 12 years.
Speaking of Ballon d'Or monopolies; Spain (Real Madrid and Barcelona, really) had 26 of the 30 nominations between 2009 and 2017. pic.twitter.com/S7XgiCoLRC
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) September 6, 2020
Head coach and French icon Zinedine Zidane has also never shied away from his admiration for Mbappe. There is also the fact that, out of every European club, Real Madrid are most likely to be the least affected from the financial implications of COVID-19.