Real Madrid Overlooked Key Warning Signs Before Signing Kylian Mbappé on a Free Transfer

Real Madrid Overlooked Key Warning Signs Before Signing Kylian Mbappé on a Free Transfer

  • Spanish giants Real Madrid were made aware of the issue surrounding Kylian Mbappe but decided to sign him anyway
  • The French superstar failed to make an impact from his favoured left-wing position and missed a critical penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield
  • Four months into the 2024/25 season, the World Cup winner has yet to reach his peak form for Los Blancos

Real Madrid’s signing of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer this summer was hailed as a major triumph.

However, reports indicate the club overlooked critical concerns about the French star’s declining physical output before finalising the deal.

After years of speculation, the 25-year-old joined Los Blancos following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

Real Madrid Overlooked Key Warning Signs Before Signing Kylian Mbappé on a Free Transfer
Real Madrid were made aware of the issue surrounding Kylian Mbappe but decided to sign him anyway. Photo: James Gardener.
Source: UGC

Despite taking a substantial pay cut, Mbappe remains Real’s highest earner and received a staggering £128 million signing bonus.

However, his start in Madrid has fallen short of expectations. Wearing the iconic No. 9 shirt, Mbappé has scored nine goals in 18 games but has struggled to find his rhythm.

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His presence seems to have disrupted the team’s balance, with Real trailing Barcelona in La Liga and languishing in 24th place in the Champions League table.

Mbappé’s form has been inconsistent, highlighted by his penalty miss against Liverpool, where he was neutralised by right-back Conor Bradley.

A recent report offers insight into his struggles. According to The Daily Mail, Mbappé has covered just 39 kilometres across five Champions League matches, significantly less than his teammates.

Why Real Madrid gambled on Mbappé

Further analysis by Relevo revealed that Real Madrid were aware of a gradual decline in Mbappé’s physical output, including reduced high-intensity efforts and sprint speed, dating back to his 2018 World Cup triumph.

Despite these concerns, the 15-time European champions felt compelled to sign the former Monaco star, viewing him as an opportunity they couldn’t afford to miss.

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Real Madrid Seek Zidane’s Guidance to Revive Mbappe’s Form

Now, questions loom over whether they underestimated the impact of these warning signs on his performance.

Mbappe hurt as Real Madrid dream turns into nightmare

Earlier, Briefly News reported that like any devoted fan, he dreamed endlessly about this moment. He imagined it, lived for it, and adorned his room with stickers and pictures of his idols. Every step he took was aimed at achieving one goal—to join the club he had always admired.

On June 3, after years of speculation, his dream finally came true as he was unveiled as Real Madrid's latest signing on a free transfer. But now, months later, that dream has turned into a nightmare. He appears defeated, struggling to find form, and even his coach has admitted he is lacking confidence.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Viginia Akinyi avatar

Viginia Akinyi (sports editor) Viginia Akinyi is the current import editor at Briefly News. She holds a B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations from Moi University and has previously worked with Lolwe TV, Daily Nation Eldoret Bureau and SportsBrief.com. Email: viginia.akinyi@briefly.co.za