How Real Madrid will line up with Kylian Mbappe

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 16 Feb 2024 14:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe is out of contract with PSG at the end of the season, making him about the most desirable free agent in world football, and Real are at the front of the queue to sign him.

The 14-time European champions thought they had signed the French World Cup winner in 2022 before he U-turned to sign a record-breaking new deal at PSG, but this time could be different…

The 25-year-old has now reportedly informed PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi of his decision to leave the club when his contract expires this summer. As a result, his move to Real Madrid is close to being officially announced.

So, how will Los Blancos line up with the French superstar in their ranks?

Real Madrid with Mbappe next season?

What will that mean for Madrid? Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, quelling speculation that he was set to become the next Brazil manager, so there should be some consistency in Real's play.

Although he won the La Liga and Champions League double with a 4-3-3 in 2022, Karim Benzema's departure to Saudi Arabia left a gap in attack that the Italian filled in a novel way: he tweaked his system to a 4-3-1-2 and gave Jude Bellingham - a €103 million summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund - pride of place.

The results have been incredible, with the young Englishman contributing 18 goals and eight assists from his 28 games. It could be a case of not fixing something that isn't broken, and with Mbappe, they wouldn't need to.

Up ahead of Bellingham this season have been Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo - both wingers by trade - and the latter in particular has complained about being played more centrally.

That clearly wouldn't be a problem for Mbappe, who complained about being the main target man at PSG last season, taking to Instagram using the ironic hashtag #pivotcrew.

Elsewhere, Thibault Courtois will have returned from torn cruciate ligament in time to reclaim his No.1 spot from the Chelsea-owned Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Toni Kroos' expiring contract means Eduardo Camavinga could replace him in midfield full-time.

Ferland Mendy will be concerned about Real's reported interest in Alphonso Davies, and the Bayern Munich left-back appears likely to join Mbappe at Los Blancos this summer. As a result, he has been included in this incredible starting XI.