Real Madrid must think twice before going for the signing of Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid’s interest in Nico Williams, revealed earlier in the week by AS, is one more page in the Mbappé story. Although it seems clear that it is indeed Real Madrid’s intention to sign Mbappé once he is free next summer, cracks are beginning to appear that make a successful operation look increasingly doubtful.

The links emerging between Nico Williams, as mentioned, constitute one of those cracks. The Athletic Club player plays on the right and would not obstruct Vini Jr, he is significantly cheaper than the Frenchman and has not made any public comments that make Madrid think he would not be open to a move. As for Mbappé, however, things are different...

Mbappé breaks Real Madrid’s salary structure...

According to the information revealed by Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Madrid are aware that bringing in Mbappé would cost €35 million net (€70 million gross) per season in wages. This fee, despite Madrid’s wealth, poses a huge question for the club as it breaks, by far, the salary structure in place within the first team, where the top earner receives no more than €11 million net. At the top of the pyramid sit Alaba and Kroos: the former is paid €10.8 million net per year and Kroos, €10.7m.

He plays in the same position as Vinicius...

Signing Mbappé, as strange as it sounds, is signing a problem. Madrid have Vinicius, the player with the third-highest market value in the world (€150 million), behind only Mbappé and Haaland (both on €180m). Vini, it can be argued, is also the most frighteningly dangerous player in the world at this moment in time.

The problem comes from the position that both the Frenchman and the Brazilian occupy on the field. It is clear that Vinicius likes to play on the left, which is also where Mbappé prefers to play for PSG, and even more so since Neymar left. Mbappé likes to start from the left wing to set himself up for the shot with his right foot. Vinicius, on the other hand, starts in that position to drive towards the byline and cross into the box from an advanced position.

Haaland is a serious option for Real Madrid...

Real Madrid have to think very carefully about whether Mbappé is the right choice. As things stand he may be cheaper than Haaland, but things are not quite as straightforward as that. To take the Norwegian out of City would cost around €250 million according to the clause that allows him to leave the English side as of 2024. And with each passing year, that amount is reduced.

Haaland’s contract expires in 2027 and signing Mbappé will not be free even if he is released at the end of his current PSG deal, as the club will have to pay a high fee either way. Otherwise, it will be impossible for him to come, as Mbappé, who refused to answer questions on his future while on duty with France, has more economically important offers on the table, including one from Klopp’s Liverpool, who have reactivated their interest in the star.

Real Madrid’s most recent statement...

The recent statement issued by Real Madrid adds strength to the idea that it is not all over between the French star and the Spanish club. “In view of the information recently published by various media outlets regarding alleged negotiations between the player Kylian Mbappé and our club, Real Madrid C.F. would like to state that this information is categorically false and that no such negotiations have taken place with any player belonging to PSG” Real Madrid said in their statement.

The statement came as a surprise, as no information had been published that placed Mbappé close to Real Madrid. The release was interpreted more as a strategy from the 14-time European champions to prevent PSG from poisoning a future operation with a complaint to FIFA for having negotiated with a player under contract. As of January 1, there will be no room for PSG to complain, although it will be Madrid’s decision to see if they want to go for Mbappé in the first place.