Real Madrid’s highly anticipated signing of Kylian Mbappe offers many benefits for the current Spanish and European champions, but there are also some concerns.
One issue is how Mbappe will fit into the starting line-up, as his preferred position is on the left wing, where last season’s top scorer with 24 goals, Vinicius Junior, plays. Another concern is how the 25-year-old French player will integrate into an established dressing room – something that the La Liga club carefully considered in January when they began seriously contemplating signing him.
The Athletic has previously outlined head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plan to implement a flexible 4-3-3 system, with Mbappe in the center, Vinicius Jr on the left, and Rodrygo on the right. This formation will transition to a 4-4-2 in defense, with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr as the front two players and Jude Bellingham moving to left midfield.
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Mbappe at Real – how does he fit in with Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo?
There are also concerns about Mbappe’s personality. Madrid wanted to avoid him having too much influence as he did at PSG after renewing his contract there in 2022. They were also wary of offering him an exorbitant salary that could disrupt team harmony. Reports suggest Mbappe will receive a €100 million signing bonus and a €15 million salary.
The current Madrid squad is considered one of the closest-knit in recent years. Players’ sources close to the team have acknowledged the positive atmosphere and noted that it is the best they have experienced in the club.
Amidst the summer break, there have been instances of camaraderie among the players.
Like in 2023, Vinicius Jr invited some of his teammates to Rio de Janeiro after Brazil’s Copa America quarter-finals. Mbappe and Vinicius Jr’s countryman Endrick were among guests expected to be formally welcomed at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium before beginning their new chapters in Spain.
During his unveiling, Mbappe credited Vinicius Jr for his decision to join Madrid, highlighting the support he received from French players and Vinicius Jr himself.