Real Madrid News
Under-fire Real Madrid superstar was involved in ‘verbal confrontation’ with Jude Bellingham
Problems at Real Madrid have been much more than tactics or injuries this season.
In recent days, reports from France and Spain have painted the picture of a dressing room struggling with tension, clashing personalities and growing frustration, and Kylian Mbappe is finding himself at the centre of the storm.
Real Madrid’s campaign has been filled with inconsistency, disappointment and pressure, but recent revelations suggest the emotional atmosphere within the squad has also deteriorated significantly over the course of the year.
According to the latest reports from RMC Sport, as relayed by Defensa Central, the dressing room harmony has weakened, relationships between several key figures have become strained and frustrations are no longer kept hidden.
What’s the story?
Mbappe’s arrival was supposed to elevate Madrid into a new era.
Instead, the season has exposed just how difficult it can be to balance multiple superstar personalities inside one squad.
The latest update claims that some of the French forward’s behaviour has not gone down well with certain teammates.
While disagreements and heated moments are common in football, the feeling is that tensions inside Madrid have become more visible because of the enormous pressure surrounding the club’s underwhelming season.
One incident pointed out by the aforementioned outlet came during a La Liga match back in February, when Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were involved in a ‘verbal confrontation’ at half-time.
Although both players continue to respect each other’s quality and maintain a generally positive relationship, the report suggests that differences in mentality and reactions to certain situations this season have created friction at times.
Bellingham reportedly became frustrated with some of Mbappe’s comments and reactions during difficult periods.
At the same time, the Frenchman is said to have disagreed with the position taken by Bellingham and other Real Madrid teammates regarding internal matters connected to Xabi Alonso.
As a result, there is growing concern within the club that some players have started behaving as though they are bigger than the institution itself, and right now, the hierarchy is looking for potential solutions.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
