Liverpool’s summer signing Fabinho has revealed his ambitious personal project: convincing World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe to trade Paris for Merseyside. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined the Reds from Monaco in a £43.7m deal, shared this tantalizing transfer tease during Baji exclusive coverage of Liverpool’s preseason preparations.
Fabinho’s Monaco Connection with Mbappe
Having shared the pitch with Mbappe during Monaco’s sensational 2016/17 Ligue 1 title campaign, Fabinho possesses unique insight into the French phenom’s mentality. “He’s already said he’ll stay at PSG this season,” Fabinho admitted to Baji, “but I’m working slowly to change his mind.”
The statistics from their time together at Stade Louis II reveal why Jurgen Klopp would crave this reunion:
- Combined 2016/17 contributions: 42 goals, 23 assists
- Mbappe’s breakout season: 26 goal involvements at just 18 years old
- Fabinho’s defensive mastery: 3.2 tackles/game (Ligue 1’s 3rd highest)
The Mbappe Factor: Why Liverpool’s Interest Makes Sense
While PSG’s financial muscle makes any transfer seem improbable, football analyst Mark Thompson notes: “Mbappe’s text congratulating Fabinho shows their relationship transcends teammates. At Liverpool, he’d be the crown jewel in Klopp’s pressing system rather than sharing the spotlight with Neymar.”
Key advantages for Mbappe at Anfield:
- System Synergy: Klopp’s gegenpress maximizes Mbappe’s explosive counterattacking
- Premier League Pedigree: The ultimate proving ground for his Ballon d’Or ambitions
- Age Profile: Fits Liverpool’s strategy of building around young superstars
Fabinho’s Adaptation: The Key to His Persuasion Power
The 24-year-old Brazilian acknowledges his own challenges adapting to Liverpool’s system:
“You see it with Fabinho – he’s still playing too deep between center-backs. Monaco’s structure was different,” Klopp observed during preseason.
His progression in Klopp’s system could become the ultimate sales pitch to Mbappe:
- Phase 1: Master Liverpool’s defensive transitions (current focus)
- Phase 2: Develop creative passing range to feed potential Mbappe runs
- Phase 3: Recreate their Monaco chemistry on England’s biggest stage
The Financial Reality: Could This Actually Happen?
While Baji sources confirm Liverpool’s admiration for Mbappe, several hurdles exist:
| Factor | PSG Situation | Liverpool Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | €180m+ valuation | Possible with major sales |
| Wages | €20m+/year | Requires wage structure overhaul |
| Timing | 2023 contract expiry | 2024 could present opportunity |
Football finance expert Sarah Wilkinson notes: “If Mbappe pushes for a move like Coutinho did at Liverpool, PSG’s hand weakens. But this would require Fabinho’s persuasion to shift from friendship to footballing conviction.”
Conclusion: A Transfer Saga Worth Monitoring
While Fabinho‘s comments might seem like playful banter, they reveal Liverpool’s ambitious long-term planning. As the Brazilian settles into his new role, his ability to influence Mbappe could become more than just locker room talk – especially if PSG’s Champions League ambitions stall again this season.
For now, Baji will be tracking:
- Mbappe’s contract negotiations with PSG
- Fabinho’s midfield partnership development with Keita
- Any subtle social media interactions between the former teammates
One thing’s certain: in the high-stakes world of elite transfers, having a friend like Fabinho in your corner never hurts. Could the Anfield pitch become their reunion stage? Only time – and perhaps some more of Fabinho’s whispered persuasion – will tell.
