Manchester United pursue Mbappe as Ratcliffe edges closer to taking a stake
Manchester United are reportedly pursuing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain as Sir Jim Ratcliffe moves toward completing a 25 percent stake in the club. Ratcliffe would oversee the football operations, and the possibility of Mbappe arriving in Manchester has begun to feel more tangible in recent whispers across the football world. This development comes as United seek to strengthen their attacking options and push back toward the elite tier of European football.
- Ratcliffe is aiming for a 25 percent shareholding in Manchester United, a stake that would give him substantial influence over football decisions.
- The plan would place Ratcliffe at the helm of the club’s football activities, guiding strategy on and off the pitch.
- United’s recruitment ambitions include a potential bid for Mbappe during the upcoming transfer window or summer market.
WHAT HAPPENED The French forward has reportedly resisted signing a new contract with the reigning Ligue 1 champions and is said to have declined a loyalty bonus worth around €100 million as a way to facilitate a move away from PSG. With Ratcliffe nearing a 25 percent takeover, there is growing belief that Mbappe could be a primary target for United in the near future, according to informed football sources. These discussions align with United’s broader strategy to reassert domestic and continental competitiveness amid a shifting balance of power in European football.
THE BIG PICTURE The potential Mbappe pursuit touches on the broader financial landscape of the sport. Manchester City and Chelsea also possess the financial muscle to challenge for the French star should a deal become realistic. In Spain, reports have circulated that Real Madrid have cooled their interest, especially given Mbappe’s age and the high salary package he would demand. A move to Madrid would require substantial adjustments to the club’s salary structure, and Mbappe would likely command a significant annual compensation plus a sizeable signing bonus. These dynamics illustrate how a transfer of this magnitude interacts with ownership decisions, wage ceilings, and long term strategy across Europe.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
Getty Images Getty
WHAT’S NEXT Mbappe is expected to feature for PSG in their Ligue 1 clash against Reims, scheduled for Saturday, while Manchester United prepare to face Luton Town in the Premier League. The coming weeks will clarify how far United, backed by Ratcliffe, are willing to push to bring a player of Mbappe’s standing to Old Trafford. The evolving situation will also test how a new ownership structure might influence transfer policy and scouting priorities at the club, both domestically and internationally.
Source: Goal