Real Madrid News
Member of Mbappe’s entourage opens up on France NT omission – ‘Has had a mental problem’
If Kylian Mbappe expected to hog the limelight at Real Madrid when he signed for the club earlier this year, it is safe to say that the Frenchman is far from his goal as it stands.
The former PSG star is struggling to stay afloat at his new club and is far from the goalscoring version that was renowned across the globe as one of the most daunting forwards in football.
So far this season, he has just six goals in La Liga and has not adapted well to the centre-forward position being demanded of him by the manager. The effect, needless to say, is visible in his confidence.
To rub salt into the wounds, the player was shockingly not called up by Didier Deschamps to join up with the national team.
Mbappe’s entourage opens up
The Real Madrid superstar has been very silent since being snubbed from the national team, opening the door for speculation. While some felt it was owing to his poor form, others felt it was to give him space to recover mentally.
Speaking to L’Equipe recently, a source close to Mbappe opened up on the subject for the first time.
“It is an incorrect version or incomplete from the truth. It is a lot more complex than that. Making people believe that it is the manager’s decision is false,” the source began on Mbappe’s absence from the national team dynamics.
“But the most important thing, first of all, is that Kylian can rediscover happiness playing football. The rest will follow,” they added.
The source close to the player also opened up on Mbappe’s mental position at the moment and how it was affecting his performance on the field.
“Call it what you want but Kylian has had a mental problem for several months. That doesn’t sort itself out just like that. You need time and work, which he is carrying out with specialists.”
If the player’s mental confidence is indeed deteriorating at such an alarming rate, it is vital for Carlo Ancelotti and Co. to step in and help the player out and ensure he stays afloat. After all, the importance of a strong mental game in football is not spoken of enough.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
