There is no doubt that Kylian Mbappe’s decision to leave Paris St Germain for Real Madrid once his contract expires on 30th June 2024 has generated plenty of headlines. This was not a complete shock to PSG fans, though, after reports emerged back in February of Mbappe informing the club he would be leaving for pastures new in Spain. A May 2024 video released on the player’s social media channels also reiterated this decision and officially confirmed a deal had been struck with Real.
No player is bigger than the club, though, and this means that PSG fans are already thinking about who could fill Mbappe’s boots. Whilst current squad members Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos could potentially fill the void, a move may well be made for a major name before the new season.
But who could PSG decide to turn to as their next superstar number 9? Just as the latest Euro 2024 odds show certain teams appear favorites to win that tournament, the players below are being heavily tipped to be heading to Paris soon.
Julian Alvarez
Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez is one of the top potential transfer targets to replace Mbappe, and you would not be surprised to see the club make a move for him. Alvarez certainly has enough talent to step into Mbappe’s shoes and score lots of goals for PSG.
Quick with good movement and excellent close control, he’s also a hard worker off the ball and has a powerful shot. His stats from last season prove he could be the ideal replacement for Mbappe, with 19 goals and 13 assists from 54 games. This transfer should also be an easy one for PSG to get done, as the player is said to be unhappy with his lack of playing time in Manchester and keen for a move to remedy this.
Gabriel Jesus
Another player from England’s Premier League who could be the perfect signing to replace Mbappe is Gabriel Jesus. He has shown his class over multiple seasons in England now and was a valuable squad member at Manchester City, before moving to Arsenal in 2022. This has given him plenty of experience of playing for big clubs and being able to handle the pressure it brings.
Although Jesus might have only scored eight goals last season for Arsenal, his creativity and assists could be something PSG like. The Brazilian-born forward certainly has that bit of magic with the ball at his feet and can dribble past opponents with ease. Jesus would also offer more of a focal point to the attack and give wide players someone to cross too.
Victor Osimhen
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen would be a major signing, and someone who has everything in his locker to fill Mbappe’s boots. He is also someone all the tops clubs in Europe are chasing this summer and a deal for him would be a real coup for PSG.
But why might the club be seriously looking at putting a deal together for this player? There is no doubt that his superb form and standout performances in Serie A have helped. With explosive pace and clinical finishing, he also fits the same kind of profile as Mbappe.
Osimhen is also decent in the air, physically strong, and adept at pressing opposition defenders. The only sticking point could be the new deal the player signed with Napoli in 2023, which included a release clause of €130 million. If PSG officials can afford this fee, though, he could be the best option.
Benjamin Sesko
Another exciting young player who might now be a target for Paris St Germain is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. With 18 goals for his current side last season, he should certainly be able to replace Mbappe’s scoring exploits for PSG. Sesko also has a much smaller release clause in his current contract, and this could well sway officials of the Ligue 1 club to move for him over Osimhen.
The 21-year-old ace would also bring a lot more with him to Paris than goals and this explains why Sesko is such a sought-after player right now. His height and aerial ability stand out for example, as does his clever movement off the ball and his willingness to drift out into wider channels. Sesko is also great at linking up play and helping to build attacks for his side.
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United player Marcus Rashford does not seem overly happy with life at Old Trafford anymore and uncertainty over who might be managing him next season won’t help. This could see him eager to move to another top European club and ply his trade there.
As a result, Rashford is someone who is reported to be on PSG’s radar as an Mbappe replacement. He fits the profile of someone who could do this successfully and has many of the same attributes. Pace is a key part of his game for example and he has decent finishing to go with that. Rashford can also play out wide or as the main striker, which could be something PSG value.
He is also very good when running at opposition players with the ball at his feet and someone who can create chances for others. This makes him a serious contender to find a new home at the Parc des Princes.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
If Victor Osimhen is not the player to come in over the summer of 2024 for PSG, his Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be someone they turn to instead. Although he is more of a wide player by trade, the Georgian-born speedster could still be a valuable addition to the squad. As Mbappe loved to drift out wide and drive attacks forward in these channels, Kvaratskhelia may not be too dissimilar in style either.
Known as one of the top young prospects in Europe, this player has creativity, speed, and superb dribbling in his locker. 31 goal contributions last season show what he’s capable of and what he could bring to Paris.
Who will PSG turn to now Mbappe has gone?
Kylian Mbappe was superb for PSG and will go down in history as one of the most sublime players to grace the Parc des Princes. Football is a fast moving sport though and this means plans are already being made to replace him. Although no-one knows for sure which player this could be, the above are all likely candidates.
