REAL MADRID
Jude Bellingham’s success has Real Madrid forgetting about Kylian Mbappé
Bellingham’s popularity in the Spanish capital has caused people to forget about a certain French striker...
Real Madrid’s next star signing is slowly cooking and with the calm feeling that comes with having scored a perfect ten on their last attempt. Jude Bellingham’s flawless start to life in a white shirt has calmed the waters at Real Madrid and the club believe that the Englishman is capable of becoming the next media sensation in the world of football, complementing Vinicius and being the club’s link to the English-speaking world.
He scores decisive goals (10 in 10 games, with an average of 1 every 85 minutes), as well as having the power of attraction that has allowed the club to forget about last summer, when they unsuccessfully chased Mbappé.
Haaland’s name gathering pace in Spain
And there’s more: from within the club, surveys have been carried out regarding the different names on the market and the recent actions of the French forward, tempting Madrid for consecutive seasons before doing a U-turn, have the fans questioning their desire to see the player at the Bernabéu.
However, Haaland’s stock is rising in the Spanish capital, with the Norwegian machine having an easier time than the PSG player, on paper, fitting into the team. Despite Joselu’s goals, the elite number nine position is still up for grabs within the squad.
Do Madrid need Mbappé or is it the other way round?
This change in stock does not mean Real Madrid are no longer focussing on Kylian Mbappé, but his signing is no longer the be-all and end-all at the club. In fact, Madrid have actually turned the tables and they are in the position of power in the long-distance dance between the two: “Madrid offers glory and guarantees a seriousness that gives results”, comes the message from inside the corridors of the Bernabéu.
In other words, Mbappé has to choose whether or not he wants to continue with a project that is rocking like a one-eyed Womble or get involved in another, one with the deadliest young players in the world and that is always pointing its telescope at the Champions League trophy. Who needs who more? Are Madrid in need of Mbappé, or is it the other way around?
The PSG project may not offer Mbappé what he wants
What is clear to see is that the rocking of the boat in Paris is indeed affecting their number 7. As well as the calamitous display against Newcastle, a serious warning for the aspirations of the club, they have hit a brick wall in Ligue 1, and have not scored for three games.
Mbappé posters being taken down from the bedrooms of Madridista children has coincided with Haaland ones being pinned to the walls. The Norwegian robot comes off the back of scoring a mind-blowing 52 goals in 53 games last season, and now he is set to go up against the Spanish National Team in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Added to this is the fact that his contract situation is murky, with the player constantly rumoured to have a clause that allows him to leave next season.
Haaland has reasons to stay at City
The power of seduction that Real Madrid hold over two two players will inevitably be stronger with Mbappé than Haaland, as the Frenchman is set to be a free agent in 2024 and at Manchester City there are plenty of sporting merits on offer for their monster striker. The English club are also trying to make him the best paid player in the Premier League, which will no doubt be a huge, Abu Dhabi-sized carrot on the end of a stick.
Bellingham always was, in Madrid’s eyes, a key player who they could turn into a world star. But this strategic signing has become a supernova from his own merits on and off the pitch in just three months. The next one, whether it be Haaland or Mbappé, will have to share the spotlight with the Englishman.
