1998 WC Winner Picks Victor Osimhen Over Ivan Toney as ‘Favorite’ to Replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG

Looks like Kylian Mbappe is hitting the road from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. The Frenchman is in the final five months of his contract, as he is bound to bid adieu to Parc des Princes. While the hunt to replace the Parisians’ record goal-scoring continues, a host of players have been linked to replace the outbound No. 7, with Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney being the latest candidates. However, a 1998 World Cup winner believes that Napoli superstar ‘would be a good choice’ than Brentford forward. 

Finding a prolific striker who boasts all the qualities of Mbappe is not a piece of cake for PSG. Yet, Frank Leboeuf thinks that Osimhen is perfect in all sorts. In the latest episode of ESPN FC, while discussing Luis Enrique and Co.’s 3-1 victory against Brest in the French Cup RO16, the French legend said, “I think [Victor] Osimhen would be a good choice for Paris. I don’t know if he wants to go there. That’s the kind of player we see with the pace and working with [Ousmane] Dembele and [Bradley] Barcola, that could be also a good match.”

The renowned pundit didn’t completely rule out Toney’s arrival in the French capital. “My favorite is Osimhen and since Toney seems to be available, it’s a good possibility as well,” he concluded. Notably, Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli expires in the summer of 2026 and is valued at around $118 million. But what’s the USP of Toney? 

Well, the Brentford star is a much cheaper alternative, available for just $37 million, with his contract expiring in 2025. While it remains to be seen which player they go for, PSG has another alternative. 

Another Serie A star in line to replace outbound-Kylian Mbappe

If PSG fails to sign Victor Osimhen, recent reports suggest that AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao could be a viable alternative. Leao, the Serie A MVP of 2021–22, is well-known for his explosive dribbling abilities and his role as a crucial playmaker from wide areas, evoking the style of Mbappe. He put on an amazing display last season, with 15 goals and 10 assists. 

READ MORE: “Stops This Whole Circus” – Kylian Mbappe Defended for Silence Over PSG Exit as Real Madrid Move Deemed Imminent

Notably, Leao committed to Milan by signing a contract extension until 2028 with a $189 million release clause. This presents a substantial financial hurdle for PSG. However, utilizing Luis Campos’ influence, the soccer advisor for PSG, who earlier provided Leao with a breakthrough opportunity at Lille, could persuade the Portuguese winger to rejoin his compatriot at PSG.

WATCH THIS STORY: Are Lando Norris and PSG Sensation Kylian Mbappé Sharing a Barbers Chair?