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It’s the January transfer window which means it’s time for the reappearance of classic rumors. One player who often finds himself the star of these rumors is Kylian Mbappe. The most recent and popular rumor is that he is confirmed on a transfer to Real Madrid, this is not true. There isn’t even evidence to show the two parties engaged in serious talks about a transfer. There's a good reason for this lack of attention by both parties and to put it simply it’s because Real Madrid doesn’t need Mbappe he wouldn’t be a cost effective transfer for the team.
Having stayed at PSG for almost seven years now without any major European awards definitely hasn’t helped the Frenchman in the rumor depart. His club struggles combined with a childhood love of footballing legend Christiano Ronaldo has led fans to assume he’s departing to Madrid every transfer window. Previous to the signing of Jude Belligham the possibility of an Mbappe transfer was more likely. At that point the team desperately needed a middle striker to fill in the gaps where they were far lacking. At a post Bellingham Madrid however it’s unlikely to see an Mbappe transfer.
Breaking this down from a tactical standpoint requires an understanding of two things. First where Mbappe excels. The French winger was a standout for a Ballon Dor this season after remarkable club contributions and a hat trick in the world cup final. Unfortunately for the star he lost out to the same man who beat him in said final. These stand out performances give us an idea of where Mbappe fits in best. He is without a doubt a striker, even from the wings, and operates best on a strategy that utilizes his ability to take balls paced up and play them in a very quick manner.
Looking at what teams Mbappe would fit best tactically Madrid is far from the top. The two best fits actually come from the Premier League, a move the players' camp has reported a desire for, with number one Liverpool and number two Arsenal. Liverpool’s on the wing long balls passed up by wingers has been killer in bypassing the midfield but the team has recently found themselves susceptible to other teams forcing the midfield aspect of play. Mbappe would fit in nicely bringing a needed stability to the middle of the pitch while also fitting in well with his work on the wings. Arsenal desperately needs a striker as the midfield passing heavy strategy they have now is solid when it works but is also notorious for mindless possession without a striker to put the ball where it needs to be which is where Mbappe comes into play.
The piece that’s crucial to understand is how Real Madrid’s strategy in recent times has worked. Last season it was quick to reason that a third world class striker would bring the team a massive benefit yet after the team's signing of Jude Bellingham this is no longer the case. Bellingham's natural position in the midfield combined with Madrid's use of the 4-3-1-2 highlights the team's strong suits. Bellingham's ability to move up the pitch as well as being able to control balls through the midfield is enhanced by having that open middle space. Adding an additional striker jeopardizes not only the attacking strategy but takes one man out of defense as well. Keeping Mbappe on his usual left wing fits better with the new found strategy but is a risk considering the competition for that position is steep and he’s used to being that player PSG depends on rather than a part of a greater unit. Real Madrid have found a really special strategy here and it’s one the team won’t be begging to give up for one player.
Big names to big clubs may sound great and in theory it is but in practice often fans push for signings that don’t tactically fit. Mbappe is an excellent player who could still do well at Madrid but the likelihood of the player going is slim to none. It isn’t just a poor tactical fit that’s the issue. The massive Mbappe price tag is far from helping this rumor’s case. Transfer Market estimates Mbappe’s value to be $180.0 million which is a far cry from chump change. A hefty pay out to the player could easily place Real Madrid over financial fair play and put them in a bad situation. No amount of shirt sales is going to pay back that contract so with a tactical mismatch and Madrid having just signed another player in the same position it’s clear that these rumors will stay just as that.
Even if price isn’t an issue for Madrid, PSG are unlikely to let their remaining star go so easily. The Frenchman also doesn’t seem to have a strong enough desire to leave the club. Every season we see the same rumors, every season they aren’t really backed by anything, and every season it doesn’t happen. Maybe one day we will see Mbappe in a Real Madrid kit but it won’t be this season let alone this January transfer window.
