Over the past few years, the story of Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has dominated media outlets regularly. The 25-year-old has been at the club’s doorstep several times in the past, but the deal was never complicated.
There, is, however, something different about the rumours this time around. Mbappe has openly announced his departure from PSG not only to the administration but also to the dressing room, when his contract expires in the summer.
Furthermore, it has also been reported that Mbappe’s arrival has also been announced in the Real Madrid locker room.
Comment from a player
Despite rumours strongly doing the rounds, there has been a queer silence from the offices and dressing room of Real Madrid over Mbappe’s possible signing.
However, Los Blancos’ star midfielder Federico Valverde broke the ice over the World Cup winner’s arrival, saying,
“Kylian Mbappé is a great player, he’s always welcome,” he said via El Chiringuito.
As revealed recently, the Merengues have tabled a proposal involving wages between €19 million to €22 million per season, a Ballon d’Or clause of €15 million and a massive signing-on bonus for the player.
It remains to be seen, however, if the Frenchman’s entourage are satisfied with the offer.
Tactical manoeuvres
Mbappe’s arrival will bring another of world football’s elite names into the dressing room at Santiago Bernabeu.
With Vinicius Jr already firmly rooted in the left-wing position, however, Mbappe will not have his preferred position available at Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti thus sees three possible tactical adjustments to fit Mbappe into his dynamics. Two of the aforementioned three ideas see a 4-4-2 adopted with Rodrygo being dropped, while a 4-3-3 would mean Real Madrid sacrifice a midfielder like Eduardo Camavinga.
Needless to say, the pressure will be on Ancelotti to find a role for the Frenchman superstar without affecting the team’s current dynamics or balance.