Real Madrid star might push Vinicius Jr to PSG or Premier League, says pundit
By Manuel Meza
Kylian Mbappe left Paris Saint-Germain this summer after seven years at the club, where he became the all-time top scorer. Thus, the Bondy native fulfilled his dream of donning the Real Madrid shirt, although he does not yet enjoy all the privileges, benefits, and gifts he received from PSG's management.
Mbappe was involved in more than one controversy with PSG, mostly through public statements or gestures expressing his dissatisfaction with various situations. One of the most notable was his Instagram story where he used the hashtag #PivotGang, referring to his role in the team after a game where he played as a centre-forward.
It’s understandable that Christophe Galtier placed him in that position, given that Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. played alongside him. However, the forward's gesture merely highlighted his immaturity regarding a fairly common situation in football.
In Real Madrid, this is the role he occupies, and according to CBS Sports journalist and PSG Talk columnist Jonathan Johnson, Mbappe’s desires will sooner or later be realised in one way or another. Johnson commented, "I don't see a future for Real Madrid where both (Mbappe and Vinicius Jr) are able to be starmen."
Real Madrid star might push Vinicius Jr to PSG or Premier League, says pundit
To provide further context, Kylian Mbappe has repeatedly stated that he prefers to be a more free-form player. Under Mauricio Pochettino or Didier Deschamps when he shared starting roles with Olivier Giroud, Mbappe often played on the left flank, with the freedom to move as he wished. As is known, the left flank at Real Madrid is predominantly occupied by the Brazilian star Vinicius Jr.
Johnson also noted that "PSG or a Premier League move" are two logical options for Vinicius Jr’s future, who is seen as the potential 'loser' of Mbappe’s desires that might emerge sooner or later.
It’s too early to say for sure. However, as someone who has seen almost all of Mbappe's games with PSG, it’s clear that the 25-year-old Frenchman will not be able to shine as he does if he continues to play as a traditional centre-forward. He needs freedom to excel.
A potential move for Vinicius Jr to PSG would surely please many Parisian fans, although the impressive progress of Bradley Barcola and the recent signing of Desire Doue might dampen the excitement.