'It's interesting' - PSG free agent could be swayed by 'concrete' QPR interest

Recent weeks have seen QPR linked with a somewhat audacious move for Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ethan Mbappe as Marti Cifuentes prepares for his first full season in charge of the London club.

The 17-year-old is the younger brother of Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe and broke through from the French side's academy and into the first team last season. Mbappe enjoyed three Ligue 1 and two Coupe de France outings over the 2023/24 campaign but was released as a free agent at the end of the season.

The teenager had been expected to jump ship to Ligue 1 rivals LOSC Lille but reports in France now claim that the move has fallen through, leaving the player searching for options. Le Parisien had previously named QPR as a party with 'concrete interest', along with Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

The R's are known to be in the market for a midfielder this summer having seen Newcastle United star Isaac Hayden return to Tyneside after his loan spell towards the end of the season. It is expected that the Magpies will come to a mutual agreement with Hayden to terminate his contract, making him available as a free agent, but Mbappe would certainly present a longer-term option and a player who would surely grow in value at Loftus Road.

Weekend Sports magazine reporter and Ligue 1 insider Sebastien Vidal tells LondonWorld that a switch to the Championship would certainly be an 'interesting' option for the younger Mbappe, who must now make a name for himself away from his sibling.

Vidal said: "If Kylian Mbappe hadn't been at PSG, I'm not sure Ethan would have been fast-tracked to the first team. He's a good player but perhaps not quite ready for that right now.

"He's leaving PSG at the same time as his brother which is perhaps proof that without the effect of his brother at the club, he would've had more limited options than currently.

"His exit doesn't surprise me. Why not [a move to] the Championship? He'll have less pressure than at a huge club like Paris Saint-Germain. He's a technical player and he's quick. He's young and has plenty to learn and improve but he has a great base. The Championship could be something interesting for him.

"We've got to see how he manages on his own at a club. Right now, we shouldn't be expecting a world-class generational talent. He's a good player but isn't currently head and shoulders above others at his age."

Mbappe tends to be deployed in central midfield with his influence operating further back on the pitch than his well-known brother. The player made 35 appearances in all competitions last season, regularly representing the PSG under-19 side.

The teenager confirmed his departure from Paris this week with a heartfelt message on social media.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Mbappe wrote: "With my childhood love and support since birth, I came to you with eyes full of dreams. Now seven years have passed and I never doubted that we would have such an adventure together.

"It was the beginning of seven years where my day-to-day and my heart were full of red and blue. Seven years of meeting people who have changed me forever. Seven years of priceless personal and sporting memories.

"From childhood inexperience to my first professional steps, you have given me the best foundation to become the person and player that I hope to be. For everything that you have given me, for all the amazing people that I have crossed and for how you have helped me grow, in the name of the love I hold, I say thank you and goodbye."