The highly anticipated arrival of Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid has not gone as planned. The French superstar, who joined the reigning Champions League winners amid much fanfare, has yet to meet expectations.
His recent underwhelming performance against Liverpool at Anfield, where he missed a crucial penalty that could have leveled the score at 1-1, has amplified criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Many believed Mbappé’s signing would elevate Real Madrid to even greater heights. However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta had a different outlook.
In an interview last March, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Laporta predicted that the transfer would cause internal issues within Real Madrid’s dressing room and expressed no envy for the Frenchman’s signing.
LEGANES, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 24: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 24, 2024 in Leganes, Spain.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Laporta’s Warning
“They have a problem there. Someone has to be sold (if Kylian Mbappé arrives), right? Because both of them (Vinicius and Mbappé) can’t play in the same position, and they are very high-profile players. Plus, considering the financial figures involved, this will definitely disrupt the dressing room. This doesn’t come for free,” Laporta remarked during the interview:
The Barcelona president pointed to the inevitable clash between Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., two players who thrive in similar roles. Laporta emphasized that such dynamics, combined with the astronomical costs associated with the transfer, would inevitably “distort” the harmony in Real Madrid’s squad.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool saves a penalty from Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappé Continues to Struggle on the Pitch
Mbappé’s early performances at the Santiago Bernabéu have done little to dispel Laporta’s concerns. The forward, once hailed as a transformative signing, has faced mounting criticism for failing to deliver in key moments.
The missed penalty against Liverpool, a match that ended in Real Madrid’s defeat, has only deepened doubts about his ability to replicate the form that made him a star at Paris Saint-Germain.
Laporta’s Prophetic Insight
While the season is far from over, Mbappé’s struggles have so far aligned with Laporta’s prediction. The tension within Real Madrid’s squad, coupled with the expectations placed on the Frenchman, highlights the challenges of integrating such a high-profile player into an already star-studded team.
For now, Mbappé has time to turn things around and prove his doubters wrong. However, if his current trajectory continues, it will only further validate Laporta’s prophetic words about the impact of his arrival at Real Madrid.
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