The future of Paris Saint-Germain is uncertain with the departure of Mbappe.

PARIS —

The future looks much brighter for Kylian Mbappe than it does for Paris Saint-Germain.

With Mbappe’s departure at the end of the season following the departures of Neymar and Lionel Messi, the Qatari group’s ambitions of dominating European football were dealt another blow.

His services will be sought after by Mbappe’s big European clubs – Real Madrid appear to be in the lead – while PSG faces uncertainty.

The next step for the deep-pocketed club will be strict controls.

Who will replace the 25-year-old? How will PSG cope without Mbappe, whose goals have helped plug so many other holes in the squad? How is Luis Enrique preparing for the rest of the season and next?

An exasperated Luis Enrique avoided answering these questions at his press conference on Friday ahead of his clash with Nantes in the French league, giving only one-line answers such as “I won’t comment until the relevant parties say something.” and “no player” This is more than a club.

Mbappe’s departure is not good news for the French league, which will have to negotiate the next TV rights until 2029.

His departure will also bring to an end the story of a local boy who ended up playing for the local club and helped it rebuild its battered image.

Mbappe was 12 years old and playing for local club AS Bondy when Qatari group QSI bought PSG in 2011. The club found itself in a bad position after years of violence and poor results on the pitch. The club has not won the league title since 1994.

After the investors arrived, the hostile atmosphere at the stadium gave way to soft seats and celebrities such as Jay-Z, Michael Jordan and Beyoncé in the stands. Nine championship titles followed.

Mbappe signed a contract in 2017 along with Neymar for a total of 402 million euros ($433 million).

What QSI really wanted was a Champions League trophy, but despite a carousel of stars including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria, and a series of coaching changes, they failed to achieve it.

At the moment, everything remains under control within the team, there is a “Plan B”.

Perhaps anticipating Mbappe’s departure, PSG began concentrating on bringing in other French players such as Randal Kolo Mouani, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, as well as developing academic talent with Warren Zaire-Emery and Mbappe’s brother Ethan, both 17.

PSG will surely import a striker again to remain competitive.

Here are some of the candidates:

VICTOR OSIMHEN, Naples

The Nigerian striker is the same age as Mbappe and seems to be the best option. Osimhen has his back to goal, is good in the air, quick and has a great shot. With 26 goals, he helped Napoli win the league title last season. Although he has a contract until 2026, he knows the French league because he was a Lille player in 2020.

MOHAMED SALA, Liverpool

The Egyptian has a contract until 2025 and will be 32 years old if he joins the team next season. He may not have many years left of his best form, but his goals and assists remain strong. Manager Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season could coincide with his own departure. Although it is possible that Salah will prefer the Saudi Arabian Championship to PSG.

MARCUS RASHFORD, Manchester United

The 26-year-old England striker could leave Old Trafford after being ignored by manager Erik ten Hag and has five goals in 29 appearances, down from 30 in 59 last season.