8 potential Kylian Mbappe replacements at PSG – Rashford, Rodrygo, Sancho

​

Real Madrid bound 

Kylian Mbappé has confirmed that he will depart PSG in the summer after six seasons at his hometown club. Since moving to Monaco in 2018, Mbappe has won five Ligue 1 titles and he’s the Paris club’s all-time goalscorer with 256 goals, while he’s also provided 108 assists in 307 games. 

Mbappé’s inability to inspire PSG to glory in the Champions League will negatively impact his legacy but he will still go down in history as arguably their greatest ever player. The French international is widely expected to join Real Madrid this summer to end one of the most protracted transfer sagas across the last decade. PSG face an unenviable task in replacing their star asset but they’ll be keen to make a statement in the transfer market, despite recently altering their strategy to focus on potential stars of the future. Ahead of the window opening next month, we’ve analysed eight potential targets to replace the joint most valuable player in the world.

Who could PSG sign to replace Kylian Mbappe?

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen has failed to hit the heights of last season but he still has a long list of suitors. The Nigerian was Napoli’s talisman as they won their first title in 33 years last season after netting 26 goals in 32 games but he’s endured a frustrating campaign. Osimhen has scored 15 goals in Serie A this season with Napoli languishing in ninth place. The 25-year-old wouldn’t represent a direct replacement for Mbappé but he could solve their issues at centre-forward with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele excellent options on the wing. 

Rodrygo 

The Brazilian is one of the most underrated players in the world but he often plays second fiddle to countryman Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid. Rodrygo’s future in Spain could be directly affected by Mbappé’s arrival at Madrid as his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven could be in jeopardy. How Mbappé fits into Madrid’s starting team has been the source of huge speculation and Rodrygo would represent an excellent replacement for PSG. 

Rafael Leão

Leão extended his contract at AC Milan last summer and he’s repeatedly expressed his happiness in Italy but PSG could test that resolve. The Portuguese winger is an incredible talent and he’s provided 28 goal contributions for AC this season. Valued at €90m on Transfermarkt, Leão would be an expensive addition but his quality is undeniable and he has his best years ahead of him at 24. 

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Kvaratskhelia became a household name as Napoli won the Scudetto last season and his partnership with Osimhen was integral to their success. The Georgian provided 31 goal contributions last season and he’s still shown moments of brilliance this season, despite Napoli’s struggles. Kvaratskhelia remains one of the most exciting young talents in Europe and Napoli could look to cash in this summer to fund a rebuild of their squad.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford has endured a dismal campaign at Manchester United with his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad in serious jeopardy. After his best ever campaign in 2022/23, Rashford has only scored eight goals in 41 appearances this season. The 26-year-old penned a massive new contract earlier this season but there’s been growing speculation that he could leave United this summer. PSG are known admirers and have previously explored a deal with Rashford offering a similar profile to Mbappé with the ability to play on the left or up front. 

Michael Olise 

Olise was left out of the French squad for Euro 2024 despite his glittering form for Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old has ten goals and five assists in 15 league appearances for Palace and several clubs are chasing his signature this summer. PSG have switched their transfer approach in recent seasons to focus on younger players and Olise fits that model, while he’d also represent good value as he has a release clause at around €60m.

Benjamin Sesko

Sesko could be a wildcard option to solve PSG’s problems up front. Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani have been expensive flops and Sesko is one of the most talented young strikers in Europe. The Slovenian is far from the finished article at just 20 but he’s impressed in spells for RB Leipzig this season with 17 goals in all competitions. Arsenal and Manchester United are tracking Sesko but a move to Ligue 1 would provide a good stepping stone to the Premier League.

Jadon Sancho

PSG know all about Sancho’s ability after he starred against them for Dortmund in the Champions League. Sancho has been revitalised by his loan return to Dortmund after falling out of failure at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. The Englishman arrived at United amid huge expectations but he failed to replicate his performance levels in the Bundesliga in the Premier League. Sancho will be available this summer and United will likely accept a cut-price offer with the 24-year-old currently valued at just €25m on Transfermarkt.