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PARIS (AP) — As the New Year begins, so does the countdown on Kylian Mbappe’s future.
It promises to be a nervous start to 2024 for Paris Saint-Germain and its fans with speculation set to intensify about their prolific striker, one of only two players in soccer history to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.
Mbappe began this season in a transfer standoff with his club after not taking up the option of a 12-month extension into 2025. It means that, starting Jan. 1, he can openly talk to other clubs or even sign a pre-contract agreement with long-time suitor Real Madrid or Premier League leader Liverpool.
Mbappe can do so because his contract runs out in June, when he can leave the defending French champion for free, having joined from Monaco – initially on loan in 2017 – for 180 million euros (now $199 million).
The France star is PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 233 goals despite only recently turning 25, and has already netted some 46 goals for Les Bleus.
But it has been frustrating at times for Mbappe at PSG, which failed to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League in the last two seasons and has scraped through to the last 16 in second place this season.
Despite having scored 21 goals in 22 games in all competitions so far this season, Mbappe failed to make his mark when PSG lost 4-1 at Newcastle and 2-1 at AC Milan.
His frustration has been seen in some of PSG’s league games over the past three seasons, when bad defending and a lack of teamwork has led to soft goals being conceded.
Mbappe has said he wants to win the Ballon d’Or — soccer’s most prestigious individual prize — and the Champions League. But whether he can win either with PSG remains to be seen and, at age 25, the time could be right for him to leave PSG as he enters his peak years.
Here’s a look at where Mbappe might go:
Real Madrid
Will it be third time lucky for the Spanish powerhouse with a record 14 European Cup titles?
PSG rejected an offer of 180 million euros for Mbappe in 2021 and Madrid missed out a year later when Mbappe — amid frenzied speculation that Madrid would finally get him to join — signed a new deal with PSG in May 2022.
Mbappe held aloft the PSG jersey that day with 2025 on the back. But he was reportedly annoyed because the actual deal only took him to 2024 and, while good PR for the club, it was also seen as somewhat presumptuous to expect he would sign the extension given his world renown.
Mbappe has spoken about his affection for Madrid but, if he does not join this time, then the move may never happen. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has re-shaped the attack since Karim Benzema left and it is functioning well.
Jude Bellingham has made a stunning start to his career there since joining from Borussia Dortmund in a big-money deal, and the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has netted 17 goals in 21 games. Wearing his idol Zinedine Zidane’s No. 5 jersey, Bellingham pulls the strings brilliantly behind forwards Vinicius Junior – who has signed a new long-term deal – and Rodrygo.
Neither are as prolific as Mbappe but the Brazilians are younger – Vinicius is 23 and Rodrygo is 22 – and it raises the question whether Madrid really needs Mbappe now the void left by Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo before him, has clearly been filled.
Liverpool
Mbappe’s English is near-fluent and he’s at ease conducting interviews after Champions League games with British broadcasters.
It would make his transition to the Premier League even easier, for his speed, strength on the ball, dribbling and lethal finishing are all attributes that would serve him well.
The six-time European champions are trying to hold onto prolific forward Mohamed Salah amid growing interest in the Egypt star from the even richer Saudi Arabian league.
Salah recently reached the 200-goal mark for Liverpool and enjoys hero-like status at Liverpool’s famed Anfield stadium, but he is 31 and his prime years could almost be over.
Mbappe is entering his prime and appears the ideal replacement.
Chelsea
With no transfer fee to pay, any club signing Mbappe for free would have to play massive wages.
Chelsea can do that, and the west London club is languishing in midtable, desperately in need of a goalscorer of Mbappe’s caliber.
Whether Mbappe feels up to the challenge of rebuilding is doubtful, considering he could walk into any leading club.
Saudi Arabia
Al-Hilal failed with a record $332 million bid for Mbappe last July and, given his ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or numerous times, even the lure of massive wages seems unlikely to tempt him.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabian soccer intends to be around for the long-term.
If so, it means there’s no pressure for Mbappe to go there now when he could easily do so in his 30s.
Staying at PSG
Mbappe previously said he wanted to see out his last season at PSG and then leave.
Should he stay, the club would need to strengthen its midfield and defense.
Should he go, there will still be a Mbappe playing at PSG – younger brother Ethan, who just turned 17.
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With the January transfer window set to open on the first day of the new year, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 players who could be on the move.
LEAGUE
DEADLINE DAY
Bundesliga
Feb. 1 (12 p.m. ET)
Ligue 1
Feb. 1 (5 p.m. ET)
Premier League
Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET)
La Liga
Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET)
Serie A
Feb. 1 (7 p.m. ET)
Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.
Unseated by the arrival of David Raya, Ramsdale’s future is a little murky. Arsenal are unlikely to sanction a loan move, especially to a Premier League rival, but with an eye on Euro 2024, the netminder needs more minutes.
Bournemouth don’t want to lose him, but with Kelly’s contract set to expire in the summer and no sign he’ll renew, defender-needy clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are circling in the hopes of sealing a midseason signing.
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Age: 27 Position: Striker Estimated value: €35M
Toney’s eight-month ban for betting breaches ends in January, and his return to the pitch could precipitate a transfer. He’s a proven scorer with 32 goals in 68 Premier League appearances, and plenty of clubs need help up front.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Age: 25 Position: Left-back Estimated value: €25M
Despite his recent injury, Cucurella headlines a trio of defenders who may leave west London this winter – Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah could also depart. Chelsea, as ever, will be fascinating to watch when the window opens.
One of the window’s most intriguing names. Only Axel Disasi has played more minutes for Chelsea this season – Gallagher has even worn the armband – but he represents the Blues’ best chance of making a sizeable profit in January.
Noni Madueke (Chelsea)
Age: 21 Position: Winger Estimated value: €25M
January is about finding opportunities to bolster your squad or, in some cases, find a piece to push your team over the top. Madueke, clearly very talented but getting few chances to shine at Chelsea, could fit the bill.
After coming agonizingly close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer – Palhinha was literally in Bavaria waiting, in vain, for a deal to be closed – the excellent midfielder will once again be a hot, though expensive, commodity.
Nobody needs a January transfer more than Phillips, whose career has derailed since joining Manchester City; Pep Guardiola has repeatedly apologized for his lack of opportunities. Juventus are reportedly interested.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Age: 28 Position: Forward Estimated value: €15M
Erik ten Hag may say that Manchester United aren’t looking to move Martial, but the Frenchman’s limited amount of playing time this season speaks louder than the manager’s words ever will.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Matthew Peters / Manchester United / Getty
Age: 23 Position: Winger Estimated value: €23M
With Sancho and Ten Hag perpetually at odds, it’s in everyone’s best interest to just part ways. A loan seems most likely in January, with United having a better chance of recouping some of his huge transfer fee in the summer.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich need help in central defense, and Varane could represent excellent value. His familiarity with the Spanish club would make his transition seamless, which is always a key consideration in January.
Hojbjerg has only started three Premier League matches this season under Ange Postecoglou. In what will become a common refrain on this list, the Dane could depart in search of more regular playing time ahead of Euro 2024.
Despite getting consistent opportunities since joining the club, there’s always been a sense that Barcelona don’t truly believe in Torres. Already fierce competition for minutes will be more extreme following Vitor Roque’s arrival.
Miguel Gutierrez (Girona)
Age: 22 Position: Left-back Estimated value: €20M
Gutierrez has been one of the breakout performers helping to fuel Girona’s fairy-tale title push. Real Madrid reportedly have an €8-million buyback option on the youngster, who seems destined for a big move soon.
Juan Miranda (Real Betis)
Fran Santiago / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 23 Position: Left-back Estimated value: €9M
Miranda, a product of Barcelona’s famed academy, is another soon-to-be free agent who could yet leave in January if his club wants to procure a transfer fee. AC Milan, seeking defensive depth, are working to sign the Spaniard.
Rafa Mir (Sevilla)
Age: 26 Position: Striker Estimated value: €5M
Sevilla are among the most obvious candidates for a big January shakeup following a dismal opening half of the season. Mir’s struggles – just two league starts and one goal – are emblematic of the rough campaign in Andalusia.
Serie A ??
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
Age: 22 Position: Forward Estimated value: €30M
Zirkzee’s been one of the revelations of the European season, helping power Bologna’s top-four push. The Dutchman reportedly has a €40-million release clause, and Bayern Munich retained a buyback option worth half that.
A physically imposing center-back with the necessary on-ball skills to thrive in the modern game, Dragusin is garnering interest across Europe. Atalanta, perhaps anticipating Giorgio Scalvini’s summer exit, are reportedly keen.
Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus)
Age: 20 Position: Winger Estimated value: €20M
The Englishman has received little playing time after breaking into Juventus’ senior side last season. If Juve decide to sacrifice one of their young talents to generate funds, Iling-Junior seems the likeliest candidate at the moment.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty
Age: 24 Position: Striker Estimated value: €110M
Osimhen may have just signed a contract extension with the ailing Italian champions, but that won’t stop the rumors, especially with his reported €130-million release clause. Chelsea remain in desperate need of a proper No. 9.
Looking for something – anything, really – to help jump-start their miserable title defense, Napoli have apparently turned their attention to Samardzic, who provides silky dribbling and playmaking ability from midfield.
It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to leave red-hot Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen right now, but Xabi Alonso’s preferred back-three doesn’t include the Ecuadorian, which could facilitate a January transfer.
Reyna must move to get his once blossoming career back on track. A variety of factors contributed to his recent status as a bit-part player at Dortmund, but he’s flashed enough potential in the past to earn a chance elsewhere.
Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund)
Age: 24 Position: Winger Estimated value: €35M
Dortmund tumbled down the table following a rough run into the winter break, leaving Edin Terzic on thin ice. Against that backdrop, parting with one of your few scoring threats would be a tough sell, but rumors about Malen persist.
Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Christian Verheyen / Borussia Moenchengladbach / Getty
After several clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, were linked with his services in the summer, the trail has gone a little cold on Kone of late. That’s sure to change in January. A deadline-day deal is a distinct possibility.
Carvalho’s loan move to RB Leipzig simply hasn’t worked out as anyone had hoped. He’s made just three starts, prompting Liverpool to explore the possibility of recalling and sending him elsewhere in January.
Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart)
Age: 27 Position: Striker Estimated value: €40M
Scoring 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games doesn’t go unnoticed. A January move for the Guinean is complicated by his expected involvement in AFCON, but his extremely modest €17.5-million release clause has clubs salivating.
Instead of losing the Portuguese defender for free in the summer, Lille are reportedly considering cashing in now. With Inter, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid all in the mix, the French outfit could incite a decent bidding war.
Already one of the standout defenders in France despite his tender age, Yoro is someone Lille will fight to keep for as long as possible. PSG, now trying to scoop up every emerging talent in the country, will need to pony up.
Thuram, despite interest from England and Italy in the summer, remained in the French Riviera – who could blame him? Both he and teammate Jean-Clair Todibo will feature prominently as the January rumors swirl.
Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 21 Position: Striker Estimated value: €15M
Ekitike’s big move to the French capital went sour very quickly. PSG tried to offload him in the summer, to no avail. Stuck behind Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, he’s played a measly nine minutes in Ligue 1 this season.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 25 Position: Forward Estimated value: €180M
What, you thought we’d get through a transfer window without rehashing Mbappe’s flirtations with Real Madrid? The saga will inevitably heat up again now that Madrid can negotiate openly with the impending free agent.
Jota’s move to Saudi Arabia has been an unmitigated disaster for everything but his bank account thus far, sparking rumors that the ex-Celtic star could be one of the first players to make a swift return to Europe from the Middle East.
It’s simply a matter of when Almada makes the leap to Europe. The only question is whether the diminutive Argentine will break Miguel Almiron’s €24-million record as the most expensive outgoing transfer in MLS history.
Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth move to Chelsea proved that Benfica aren’t afraid to sanction sales of vital players in January if the offer is sweet enough. Silva, whose price tag is only rising, could be next in line.
Valentin Barco (Boca Juniors)
Age: 19 Position: Left-back Estimated value: €13M
Chelsea are reportedly keen on Barco. Strasbourg, the French side also owned by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, could be used by the Blues as a means to beat the likes of Manchester City to the Boca starlet.
Inter are reportedly advancing in talks for the rapid Canadian, who’s viewed as the ideal replacement for the injury-ravaged Juan Cuadrado. Buchanan would serve as Denzel Dumfries’ backup in Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation.
Benjamin Rollheiser (Estudiantes de La Plata)
Age: 23 Position: Winger Estimated value: €10M
Newcastle United, decimated by injuries and in search of reinforcements, are reportedly tracking the electrifying dribbler, who’s lighting things up in Argentina. Not to be outdone, Benfica and Atletico Madrid are also circling.
Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)
Age: 25 Position: Striker Estimated value: €8.5M
Vazquez was unable to replicate his breakout 2022 campaign this past year, but that hasn’t deterred clubs intrigued by his blend of power and scoring prowess. Brentford, given the uncertainty around Toney, could make a move.
Nico Gonzalez (FC Porto)
Age: 21 Position: Midfielder Estimated value: €9M
Things haven’t quite worked out as planned after a summer move to Porto, with the former Barcelona midfielder spending most of his time on the bench. An immediate return to La Liga shouldn’t be ruled out.
Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto)
Diogo Cardoso / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 31 Position: Striker Estimated value: €12M
Inter continue to show strong interest in Taremi, who was one of their targets in the summer window before they settled for a low-cost option in Marko Arnautovic. The Iranian striker is a free agent at the end of the season.
Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)
Age: 22 Position: Striker Estimated value: €50M
The prolific Mexican is one of the game’s most coveted scorers after a sensational 2023 in which he broke Luis Suarez’s record for most Eredivisie goals in a calendar year. Feyenoord will demand a fortune, and rightly so.
The Brazilian, who was scouted by some of the Premier League’s top teams over the summer, put them all on high alert when he recently said his “big dream” is to play in England. How long can Fluminense hold on to him?
Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
Age: 29 Position: Forward Estimated value: €10M
On the heels of capturing the MLS Golden Boot in 2023, Bouanga suggested he could soon return to Europe. Any move would require a “hugely expensive” transfer fee, according to LAFC general manager John Thorrington.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 20 Position: Winger Estimated value: €40M
Wingers who excel at beating their defender and teeing up teammates inside the penalty area are always in high demand, so the collection of big clubs eyeing Bakayoko should come as no surprise. An opulent transfer beckons.
Already a regular for his national team, the Ukrainian is being monitored by Juventus, who are looking for more guile and creativity in midfield amid the continued absences of Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
Age: 25 Position: Striker Estimated value: €45M
Sporting made out like bandits when they signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for a modest €20 million this past summer. The Swede is now worth more than double that amount after going on a tear since arriving in Portugal.
Like his compatriot Silva at Benfica – a player to whom he’s often compared – Inacio has been scouted by some of the continent’s heavyweights. The defender reportedly has a €60-million release clause in his contract.
Manchester City are working hard to beat Barcelona to Echeverri’s coveted signature. The ascendant Argentine was one of the standout players at the recent Under-17 World Cup and could reportedly cost up to €25 million.
Chances are your favorite club has been linked with Vermeeren at some point in recent weeks. Judging by his displays in the Champions League, the prodigious Belgian already looks capable of handling a big transfer.
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Lyon claimed a spot in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals despite drawing 2-2 with Norwegian side Brann on Thursday.
France midfielder Amel Majri and Norway attacker Aga Hegerberg, with a penalty, had put the record eight-time winners 2-0 up after just 13 minutes.
Justine Kielland cut the deficit for the home side 10 minutes before the break in snowy Bergen.
Lyon played most of the second half a player down as USA international Lindsey Horan was shown a red card before Brann claimed a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.
Defender Marit Lund delivered a corner before Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler fumbled and 18-year-old Brann midfielder Signe Gaupset volleyed home the crucial goal.
“I’m disappointed for the players,” Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor said.
“I would have liked them to be rewarded with a better result.”
“We will wait to be sure of top spot and we will have to win one of the two remaining matches,” she added.
Brann are second in the table, with a six-point advantage over the other two teams in Group B, Slavia Prague and St Poelten.
Their game was postponed after 14 people were killed in a shooting in the Czech capital earlier in the day.
In Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Laura Freigang missed a 90th-minute penalty as the German outfit drew 1-1 with Benfica, keeping both sides’ chances of reaching the knock-out stages alive.
Holders Barcelona host Sweden’s Rosengrad later looking to book their last-eight spot with a win.
On Wednesday, Australia’s Sam Kerr netted in Chelsea’s 3-1 win at Swedish club Hacken, while Real Madrid’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals were ended in a 1-0 home loss to Paris FC.
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The round of 16 for this season’s Champions League is locked in.
Monday’s draw produced some intriguing matchups, highlighted by Inter Milan, defeated finalists in 2022-23, paired with Atletico Madrid. The other standout fixture of the round also features a clash between Italian and Spanish sides, as Napoli will take on Barcelona.
On the whole, Serie A clubs were arguably handed the most difficult task of any domestic league, as Lazio will battle Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, holders Manchester City will try to accomplish what their rivals Manchester United could not by eliminating FC Copenhagen. The Danish club finished second in Group A thanks largely to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Red Devils in November.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad’s reward for pipping Inter to top spot in Group D is a date with Paris Saint-Germain, a club Luis Enrique said “no team” will want to face in the last 16.
Here’s how the complete draw unfolded:
FC Porto vs. Arsenal
Napoli vs. Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Sociedad
Inter Milan vs. Atletico Madrid
PSV Eindhoven vs. Borussia Dortmund
Lazio vs. Bayern Munich
FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester City
RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid
Clubs from the same domestic league aren’t eligible to face one another at this stage. That restriction is lifted beginning in the quarterfinals.
The round of 16 kicks off on Feb. 13 and concludes with decisive second-leg fixtures in mid-March. The seeded teams, listed second in their respective matchups above, will play the first legs away from home.
The entire knockout phase will again be played without the away goals rule, which UEFA abolished in 2021. Any tie that’s level after 180 minutes will go to extra time and then possibly penalties.
This season’s Champions League final will be held at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on June 1.