Kylian Mbappe endured a difficult return from injury on Thursday, being booed by a significant portion of the Real Madrid fanbase during a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo. The incident highlights a growing unrest surrounding the forward, who has faced criticism for recent actions both on and off the pitch.
Despite scoring 41 goals in 42 appearances, Mbappe’s behaviour has reportedly frustrated both the squad and supporters. Reports from Spanish outlet Sport suggest internal dissatisfaction with the player, stemming from incidents like questioning the club’s medical diagnosis – attributed to the use of a free AI tool that incorrectly scanned his knee – and taking a personal trip to Italy during rehabilitation for a muscular issue.
Following his introduction as a substitute, Mbappe was visibly jeered by the Bernabeu crowd, a significant blow for a player who considered joining Real Madrid a dream move two years ago. After the match, Mbappe referenced a conversation with former Real Madrid assistant coach Arbeloa, stating he was now considered the club’s fourth-choice striker. He also alluded to a “great relationship” with Xabi Alonso, potentially hinting at a future connection should Alonso take a managerial role elsewhere.
With an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €129m, finding a new club for Mbappe presents challenges. A return to Paris Saint-Germain is considered impossible given the circumstances of his departure, while financial constraints rule out many Serie A clubs. Bayern Munich would need to break their transfer record, and Saudi Arabia lacks the sporting appeal Mbappe desires. This narrows the potential destinations to the top five Premier League clubs.
Chelsea and Liverpool, particularly if Alonso were to manage either, could be viable options, given their need for a left-sided attacker and history of significant transfers. Arsenal are also seeking a player in that position, but are currently prioritizing Julian Alvarez. Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola has previously shown interest, remains a possibility, though currently seems unlikely. Manchester United could also be interested in a marquee signing, but financial and FFP restrictions may prove prohibitive.
Despite the current difficulties, it is widely expected that Mbappe will remain at Real Madrid for the 2026/27 season. The situation echoes the early days of Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club, and Mbappe could learn from his predecessor’s ability to overcome fan discontent. The Frenchman’s response to this challenging period will be crucial in defining his future at the Bernabeu.
