Kylian Mbappe to Manchester United might seem far-fetched but you can bet your bottom Qatari Riyal that prospective Reds owner Sheikh Jassim would love to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford.
Mbappe's future has been thrown into doubt by reports that he won't be taking up the one-year option on his contract at PSG, meaning he could leave for free in 12 months' time. The player muddied the waters on social media when saying he was happy in Paris for next season.
We've been down this road before with Mbappe and it ended with a new €630million contract and, reportedly, a say in the affairs of the French giants. Any prospective deal this summer could only be afforded by a select few and Spanish side Real Madrid would be the overwhelming favourites.
They've pursued him before and have the financial power plus the European standing to attract the 24-year-old. As things stand, it's hard to imagine the budget constraints at United allowing them to make a move for Mbappe, and that's not taking into account whether the superstar would even be interested.
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But the goalposts could shift should Sheikh Jassim win the race to take over the Reds. He would bring significant financial power and reports emerged earlier this season claiming he saw Mbappe as the perfect calibre of player to bring in.
Mbappe would know what to expect too, current club PSG are owned by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar via Qatar Sports Investments. Mbappe has had dealings with the owners in his position as the jewel in the Parisian crown. It brings an understanding of the way of working amid potential similarities with how Sheikh Jassim might operate at United.
Mbappe, of course, also starred in the Qatar World Cup with France when he won the golden boot and netted a hat-trick in a losing final cause to Argentina. His star burns bright across the globe and he would bring huge commercial potential to wherever he ends up next.
United don't need to be told of the benefits of that, while the advantage on the pitch is obvious. Erik ten Hag is seeking a striker and there are few better than Mbappe. It would help elevate the club in more ways than one and be a signature signing for a new owner.
And while the likelihood remains that Mbappe will be in either Paris or Madrid when the transfer window closes later this summer, Sheikh Jassim will allow himself to dream.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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