Liverpool and Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, leaving Manchester United trailing in the race for the €90m-rated Frenchman.
With concrete talks reportedly underway, the January transfer window could bring a decisive shift in the Premier League’s attacking landscape.
Premier League Clubs on the Hunt
The January transfer window presents a crucial opportunity for Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United, albeit for different reasons. Liverpool aim to sustain their title challenge, while Spurs and United are desperate to revive inconsistent campaigns. With fourth place and Champions League football within reach for a team that strings together a strong second half of the season, acquiring a high-caliber striker could prove decisive.
Kolo Muani, signed by PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75m plus €15m in add-ons in 2023, is reportedly surplus to Luis Enrique’s requirements. Limited game time and tactical preferences have relegated him to the periphery of PSG’s plans, opening the door for a potential Premier League switch.
Loan with Obligation to Buy
Initial reports suggested Manchester United were the most likely destination for Kolo Muani, with PSG open to a loan deal containing an option or obligation to buy. However, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool and Tottenham have now overtaken United in the race. Plettenberg’s update indicates PSG are insistent on an obligation to buy, a factor likely to shape the decisions of all interested parties.
Plettenberg revealed on social media platform X:
“Randal Kolo Muani is set to leave PSG during the winter transfer window. Concrete talks with potential teams about a loan deal are ongoing. PSG would like to include an obligation to buy.”
He added that while Manchester United remain interested, they are currently not optimistic about completing a deal in January. On the other hand, Liverpool and Tottenham are closely monitoring the situation, with Tottenham appearing particularly eager.
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Kolo Muani’s Diminished Role at PSG
Kolo Muani’s performances on the international stage with France—six goals in 14 appearances this year—contrast sharply with his struggles at the club level. The striker has managed just 350 minutes of Ligue 1 action this season, with Enrique preferring other options such as Marco Asensio, Goncalo Ramos, and Ousmane Dembele. His last league start dates back to October 6, underscoring his waning influence at PSG.
While PSG’s attack thrives under different dynamics, Kolo Muani’s sidelining has become increasingly apparent. With no clear pathway back into the starting XI, his departure seems inevitable.
Liverpool’s Surprise Interest
Liverpool’s interest in Randal Kolo Muani comes as a slight surprise given their depth in the center-forward position. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez already offer reliable options, while Luis Diaz has proven to be a versatile alternative in recent weeks. However, the Reds’ scouting of Kolo Muani suggests a desire to add depth and tactical flexibility to their attacking ranks.
Tottenham’s Need for Firepower
For Tottenham, the pursuit of Kolo Muani aligns with a pressing need for reinforcements. Following Harry Kane’s departure, Spurs have struggled to consistently threaten in the final third. A move for Kolo Muani could address that shortfall, adding a proven finisher to Ange Postecoglou’s attack. They have Solanke and Richarlison, but Muani can add quality to the team.
Man Utd’s Waning Influence
Manchester United’s fading hopes of landing Kolo Muani in January reflect broader struggles in their transfer strategy. Despite being linked to the Frenchman, their unwillingness or inability to meet PSG’s conditions could leave them empty-handed.
What’s Next?
With PSG holding firm on their demand for an obligation to buy, the next steps for Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United will depend on their willingness to take on the financial risk. Kolo Muani’s potential arrival in the Premier League could significantly bolster the attacking options of any side that secures his services.
As the January window approaches, the race for Kolo Muani is set to intensify, with Liverpool and Tottenham currently in pole position. Will one of these English giants pull off the deal, or could another twist in the transfer saga emerge?