Real Madrid News
Mbappe to have a different role than Real Madrid with France under Zidane – report
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is set to take charge of France for the first time during the current international break, and the new manager is considering changes to his attacking setup that could directly affect Kylian Mbappe.
Indeed, according to RMC Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Zidane is weighing up moving the Real Madrid forward away from his central striker role and back to the left wing, the position he occupied earlier in his international career.
Zidane considering Mbappe on the left
The new France manager had already hinted at a different role for Mbappe since announcing his squad last week.
On being asked if he saw the Real Madrid superstar as his first-choice centre-forward with the national team, Zidane had said:
“I don’t think so, he can play in all three positions, I really like him on the left.”
The comments suggest that Zidane sees Mbappe’s versatility as an opportunity to reshape France’s attack rather than simply keeping him as the central striker.
Playing on the left would also be familiar territory for Mbappe. At Real Madrid, he has increasingly had to operate through the middle, but his natural role has always been on the left flank.
At the club, though, Vinicius Jr. happens to be the undisputed starter on the left flank, which has created some problem as both players tend to occupy the same kind of positions on the pitch, which was clearly visible during the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Dembele could move into the centre
According to the report, Mbappe moving to the left could allow Ousmane Dembele to take over as France’s central striker.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner has excelled in a central role in Luis Enrique’s fluid system at PSG over the past couple of seasons and Zidane sees him as an option for the role in the national team setup.
For Mbappe, the switch would represent a return to a familiar position under a new France manager, with Zidane already making clear that he wants to make full use of the forward’s ability to play across the front three.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
