Mbappé set to leave PSG - How Real Madrid could line-up with the Frenchman

Kylian Mbappé's future has become the most protracted saga in football across the last few years but it’s nearing an end. Mbappé’s contract is set to expire in the summer and a report by The Athletic suggests that the French forward has communicated to the PSG bosses that he will now leave the club at the end of the season.  Although the final details of his exit are still to be negotiated, Mbappé has his heart set on joining LaLiga giants Real Madrid. 

While there still needs to be an official announcement it’s been understood that the 25-year-old has decided to accept a new challenge in Spain. Although Mbappé won’t command a transfer fee, the Frenchman’s wage demands will be astronomical—The Athletic has reported a yearly salary of €200m—and it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest moves of the summer. But how could Mbappé fit in at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti? 

How could Kylian Mbappé fit in at Real Madrid?

Mbappé will become the figurehead of Madrid’s attack if his mooted arrival is completed. His preferred position has been the topic of much debate over the years but he’s been used across two positions at PSG this season - left wing and centre-forward. Luis Enrique has deployed Mbappé on the left wing in 12 games and at centre-forward on 19 occasions and he’s been more productive as a striker with 19 goals and six assists, compared to 11 goals and one assist from the left. The likelihood is that Mbappé will play up front at Madrid, especially when you factor in Vinicius Junior’s presence and his best position being left-wing. A potential front front three of Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo would strike fear into defenders across Europe - with Madrid’s potential starting eleven next year having a market value in excess of €1 billion. 

“At Real Madrid, I anticipate Mbappé playing as a centre forward, leaving the left wing for Vinicius and the right for Rodrygo,” said Iván Fuente, Transfermarket’s La Liga expert. “His speed is ideal for how Madrid like to play on the counter-attack and Mbappé, Vinicius and Rodrygo would be perfect for this system. And don`t forget Jude Bellingham, who can advance from deeper midfield positions. Apart from this, it remains to be seen how he fits into the dressing room after several years of refusing to sign for Madrid. Also, his salary is expected to be the highest at the club breaking the previous scale and that could upset some existing stars. Another factor is what is going to happen with Endrick if he finally goes to the club next summer? There will be many options in attacking areas for Madrid with three Brazlians in contention for starting roles.”

Could Mbappé and Endrick feature together in Madrid’s strongest eleven?

While Vinicius, Rodrygo and Mbappé are expected to form Madrid’s favoured front three if the Frenchman signs, Endrick provides a fascinating option. Madrid secured the Brazilian teenager’s signature in December 2022 in an €45m deal from Palmerias. The striker was only 16 when the deal was completed and he has remained at Palmeiras until his arrival at Madrid this summer. Endrick is widely viewed as a generational talent with the potential to become one of the best players in the world and while Madrid will be cautious over his integration, the Brazilian will expect game time. Now 17, Endrick has already been capped by Brazil and he is a realistic option to play up front for Madrid, although the pressure of leading the line for the Spanish giants at such a young age would be a factor considered by Ancelotti. The problem the experienced manager will have is how to accommodate all his attacking talents with Vinicius settled at left-wing and it’s almost certain that Mbappé would be unhappy playing off the right. 

Jude Bellingham is a guaranteed starter in midfield, while Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduoardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde will compete for the other two midfield roles in Madrid’s 4-3-3 formation next season. There could be some further additions this summer in defence with Alphonso Davies and Leny Yoro major targets, while Madrid will be boosted by Thibaut Courtois’ return from injury.

How Madrid have transformed recruitment policy

Real Madrid have dramatically changed their recruitment policy in recent years as they moved away from their ‘Galácticos’ era. This season was the first in four that Madrid’s spending eclipsed the €100 million threshold due to Jude Bellingham’s high-profile arrival from Borussia Dortmund for €103m. Madrid only invested €111m across the previous three seasons as they restricted their spending due to various factors including the Covid pandemic and the redevelopment of the Bernabeu.

Across the last decade, Madrid have revamped an ageing squad with incredible younger talents. Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Éder Militão have replaced Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Casemiro and Raphaël Varane - Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are also expected to depart his summer. Real Madrid have already completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick and Mbappé’s expected arrival could return the club to the summit of European football.