Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'met with Kylian Mbappe agent early last week'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 February 2024

Man City 'met with Kylian Mbappe agent early last week'

Manchester City officials met with one of Kylian Mbappe's agents at the start of last week to discuss a possible move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

Manchester City officials reportedly met with one of Kylian Mbappe's agents at the start of last week, before he told Paris Saint-Germain of his desire to leave on a free transfer this summer.

Mbappe will leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of June, and Real Madrid are the heavy favourites to secure his signature.

There has previously been talk of a move to the Premier League, but Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all appear to have ruled themselves out of the running over the last few days, with the trio expecting him to make the move to Bernabeu this summer.

According to Cadena SER, Man City had informal talks with one of the forward's representatives at the start of last week, before Mbappe told PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his plans to leave.

The report claims that the World Cup winner has three principal agents who are working on his next move.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Kylian Mbappe before the match on February 17, 2024 © Reuters

Real Madrid were widely expected to sign Mbappe on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, but the forward ultimately decided to sign a new contract in Paris.

There is no coming back from the current situation, though, with the France international's time in Paris coming to an end once the 2023-24 campaign has concluded.

PSG are well on course for another Ligue 1 title, sitting 14 points clear at the summit, while they recorded a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League affair.

Mbappe will be aiming to deliver a league and Champions League double to Luis Enrique's side before ending his time at the club in order to seek pastures new.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe on December 13, 2023 © Reuters

The 25-year-old has again been in brilliant form for PSG during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 32 goals and registering seven assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

Mbappe has 21 goals and four assists in 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while he has managed four goals in seven outings in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, in total, the forward has scored 244 goals and registered 105 assists in 291 appearances for PSG since making the move from Monaco, initially on loan.

Man City will be able to compete financially for Mbappe this summer, but it is understood that the forward has already decided privately that he will be making the move to Real Madrid.