At the age of 24, Mbappe is one of the most outstanding players in contemporary football. His exceptional performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he clinched the Golden Boot, showcased his immense talent. This season at PSG, Mbappe has already scored 19 goals and provided 5 assists in just 20 appearances. It can be affirmed that if he joins Barcelona, Mbappe will be the successor to Messi and become the new king of the club.
Since Messi’s departure on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, Barcelona has lost its allure and stature, both domestically and in the Champions League. This is why the Catalan giants are willing to make a bold move for Mbappe, even though it won’t be an easy task.
The possibility of PSG retaining Messi for at least one more year, until the summer of 2024, could pave the way for Mbappe’s departure. As long as Messi is present, it will be difficult for Mbappe to establish himself as the true superstar at the Parc des Princes.
Furthermore, there are rumors of a special clause in Mbappe’s current contract with PSG that allows him to leave the club with a “convincing reason.” In the summer of 2022, PSG spent a fortune to keep Mbappe until 2025, so it’s certain that the Parisian powerhouse will not easily part with their prized asset, especially to Barcelona – a club with a historically strained relationship since the Neymar transfer saga in 2017.
During the past summer, Barcelona had to consistently sell assets and shares to increase their budget and meet the financial requirements imposed by La Liga. Currently, the Catalan giant is burdened with a debt of over 1 billion euros, a consequence of the previous president Josep Bartomeu’s tenure.
In their pursuit of Mbappe, Barcelona faces significant financial hurdles and the challenge of convincing PSG to let go of their prized asset. However, if successful, the acquisition of Mbappe would not only bolster Barca’s squad but also reestablish their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs.