Kylian Mbappe has been one of the much talked about transfers of 2017, as the Monaco forward could become the first £100million player according to L’Equipe (h/t Get French Football News). A number of big clubs from Europe are after him. After facing a huge blow in the pursuit of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, it appears that manager Jurgen Klopp has switched his attention towards getting Mbappe. The highly rated teenager has been one of the most sensational stories in recent times, as he has been catapulted to international stardom in the space of 12 months.
He was extremely influential in Monaco’s first league title win in almost 2 decades, while also helping the club reach the semifinals of the Champions League. Even though the interest from other big clubs is highly intense, it looks like Liverpool are confident of maintaining an edge due to several reasons. Klopp knows that the player wants to play regular first-team football. Though he will cost a mammoth sum, even the slightest hint of pressure may see him get dropped from the team if he joins some of the bigger clubs. This may not be the case at Anfield, where the club are almost certain to make Mbappe the focal point of the attack.
Liverpool are in greater urgency to strengthen the squad, as seen from our pursuit of Virgil van Dijk. While strengthening the defensive areas remains a priority for the Liverpool boss, he knows that the club could be facing the imminent departure of Daniel Sturridge, who is not entirely happy at Anfield due to the lack of regular first-team opportunities. This would leave the club short of numbers in the offensive areas of the pitch. Irrespective of Sturridge’s situation, we do need to add an out and out striker to our ranks.
Mbappe was not the top scorer in the French league nor the Champions League. So the reason for his high market value is his age, potential, and re-sale value. At just 18 years of age, it is clear that the forward has a long way to go before completely implementing his talent and skills on the pitch. While the likes of Anthony Martial were also hyped a lot, there seems to be more than just hype surrounding Mbappe. Liverpool may very well try their luck in signing a potential global superstar at a very young age.
