Real Madrid insiders starting to question megastar’s signing by Florentino Perez – report | OneFootball

According to a report from ESPN, concerns are beginning to grow internally at Real Madrid regarding the long-term impact of signing Kylian Mbappe.

The French superstar arrived from Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2024 on a free transfer in what was initially viewed as one of the biggest and most obvious signings in modern football. 

Real Madrid believed they were adding one of the world’s deadliest forwards to a squad already competing at the highest level.

At the time, the operation looked impossible to criticise. However, after a second consecutive season without a major trophy, the atmosphere surrounding Mbappe’s arrival has reportedly started changing behind the scenes.

What’s the story?

According to the outlet, some figures inside the club are now questioning whether the signing truly addressed Real Madrid’s biggest sporting needs. 

There is a feeling among certain club sources that the move was driven more by Florentino Perez’s personal ambition to bring Mbappe to Madrid rather than by the actual balance of the squad.

That concern has become stronger because of the situation involving Vinicius Jr., who had established himself as the team’s leading attacking figure before Mbappe’s arrival. 

Mbappe’s signing is being questioned. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

As a result, some now believe that introducing another superstar with a similar profile disrupted the attacking hierarchy that had already been functioning successfully.

Statistically, Mbappe’s numbers remain impressive, yet despite those numbers, Real Madrid have struggled badly to build a balanced collective structure around him.

A bad fit?

One of the biggest concerns around Mbappe revolves around how difficult it has become to fit him, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham into the same system, regardless of who has been in charge.

Meanwhile, Mbappe’s 2025/26 season has been disrupted by injuries, limiting the forward’s continuity during key moments. 

But perhaps the most significant issue has been the player’s attitude and commitment.

There have even been suggestions that sections of the dressing room remain unconvinced by the Frenchman, although the full truth behind those claims remains unclear.

What is certain, however, is that the conversation around Mbappe at Real Madrid has changed dramatically.