Despite not attracting a transfer fee, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid would cost the club a fortune and could see a number of players make way to accommodate the French striker.
As Real Madrid gears up for the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe, a reshuffling of their squad seems inevitable. With financial fair play regulations and the need to balance the books, certain players might find themselves on the transfer list to make way for the French superstar.
Here are five players who could be sold to facilitate Mbappé’s grand entrance to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo stands as the most probable departure in light of Mbappe’s arrival. Occupying similar positions on the field, his exit could not only prevent a logjam in the attacking roles but also attract a considerable transfer fee.
Given his youth and potential, Rodrygo could be a valuable asset for many top European clubs seeking to bolster their attacking options.
Brahim Diaz
After returning to Real Madrid to enhance the attacking depth following a missed opportunity to sign Mbappe last summer, Brahim Diaz might find his tenure at Bernabéu cut short.
Despite showing promise, Diaz’s place in the squad could be reconsidered to open space and allocate resources for Mbappe’s incorporation into the team.
Arda Guler
The young prodigy, Arda Guler, although considered a future star, might see his path to the first team become even more challenging with Mbappe’s presence.
With Real Madrid’s attack potentially featuring Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Mbappe—all 25 or younger and primed for the starting lineup—Guler’s opportunities for first-team action could be scarce, making a loan or permanent move beneficial for his development.
Dani Ceballos
Midfielder Dani Ceballos, while not directly competing with Mbappe for a position, could be moved on to free up financial resources.
Ceballos has struggled to cement a consistent starting spot at Real Madrid, and with the financial implications of Mbappé’s signing looming, his sale could contribute significantly to the club’s budget adjustments.
Federico Valverde
Surprisingly, Federico Valverde finds himself on this list despite being a pivotal part of the team’s midfield dynamism. Linked with a staggering €150 million move away from Real Madrid, his potential transfer could serve a dual purpose: injecting substantial funds into the club’s coffers and making room for Mbappé’s salary.
Valverde’s versatility and high-impact style of play make him an attractive option for top European clubs looking to strengthen their midfield.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappé could necessitate significant squad adjustments. The potential departures of up to five players underscore the high stakes involved in landing a player of Mbappé’s caliber. Balancing the squad, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining competitive depth will be key challenges for Los Blancos as they aim to integrate one of football’s brightest stars into their ranks.
