The world of soccer saw a seismic shift when Kylian Mbappe departed Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. After a seven-year tenure that saw him become PSG’s all-time leading scorer with an astonishing 256 goals, Mbappe’s exit left a void both on the pitch and in the hearts of fans.
The Frenchman’s exit was far from amicable. Having joined PSG in 2018 for a staggering €180 million—the second-biggest transfer deal in history—his relationship with the club’s hierarchy soured over time. Tensions with the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi disputes over a €55 million bonus, and his decision to leave as a free agent strained ties further.
The Red-and-Blues excluded their most prized asset from their pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea in the summer of 2023, signaling their frustration. By February 2024, he announced his intention to leave on a free transfer to Real Madrid, a move that denied the Ligue 1 club any transfer fee. This left the club in a precarious position, scrambling to fill the void left by one of the world’s best players.
As the Parisians sought a replacement, their eyes reportedly turned to Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool winger who has been a beacon of consistency in European soccer. Despite agreeing to a free transfer next summer, Salah ultimately rejected PSG’s offer, deciding to stay at Liverpool.
As PSG dominated France but faced uncertainty in their attacking lineup, they identified Salah as a potential replacement for Mbappe. Known for his incredible goalscoring ability, creative flair, and leadership, Salah seemed a perfect fit to step into the role of Luis Enrique’s new talisman.
Reports from Yallakora, an Egyptian outlet, suggest that the 32-year-old winger had initially agreed to join PSG on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. However, this plan took a surprising turn when Salah reversed his decision.
While Salah was reportedly close to joining PSG, his commitment to Liverpool ultimately prevailed. According to The Athletic, the Egyptian forward has shown a desire to stay at the Merseyside club, with his agent currently negotiating a new contract.
Salah’s reasons for rejecting the French giants likely stem from a combination of loyalty to the Reds and the stability he has enjoyed there. Since moving to Anfield in 2017, he has become one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players, breaking records and leading Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League titles.
