The decision over Kylian Mbappé’s replacement at Paris Saint-Germain has been made and Manchester United fans can count themselves lucky that the big spenders will not target their star man, Marcus Rashford.
Not all fans will be pleased with this news, though, as the Carrington graduate has been one of the most maligned players in the world this season. He has also entered into a social media war with fans after claiming that the fans were abusing him and not criticising him.
At United, however, they are unsure about the 26-year-old’s future. This is because INEOS Group, who have taken over the football operations of the club, are planning a squad clearout in the summer. Rashford’s wages are high and the player himself is not delivering.
While his name is not on the clearout list that has been revealed to the media, many expect United to listen to offers for him.
Now, INEOS Group can expect not to hear from PSG, who have ruled Rashford out as their Mbappé replacement.
The French league champions are preparing to lose the 25-year-old for free in the summer. Their replacement options for the World Cup winner are Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, and RB Leipzig’s Loïs Openda, who played for RC Lens up until last summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, PSG could enter into a loan deal with Barcelona over former La Masia sensation Xavi Simons. The Netherlands star is running riot in Germany after being drafted in as Christopher Nkunku’s replacement following the Frenchman’s departure at the end of last season to Chelsea.
Simons, who left Barcelona at the brink of his breakout season thanks to external pressure, has managed to keep his head and show why he was a La Masia student. Now, the Blaugrana want him back, but on loan.
A loan deal is being considered solely because of the Catalan club’s financial state. However, the strained relationship between PSG and Barcelona could see that deal fail despite Simons’ reported willingness to return to Barcelona.
Simons is also being looked at as an Mbappé replacement at PSG. Naturally an attacking midfielder who is versatile enough to play on either wing, PSG could have him return from Leipzig and stick him on the left where Mbappé operates from while they work with Randal Kolo Muani, Gonçalo Ramos or any other striker of their choosing.
Time will tell how the summer window will go for PSG.
