Real Madrid to SACRIFCE Vini Jr for Lukaku-like Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe may find himself in the eye of the storm amid Real Madrid’s recent slump, but Los Blancos are ready to throw the full weight of the club behind the Frenchman – even if it means axing Vinicius Junior.

In a surprise report from Cadena SER, it is claimed Real Madrid have put Mbappe at the centre of their project, with the underlying suggestion that they could be open to offers for Vini Jr if the need arises.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been frustrated in their attempts to tie the Brazil international down to a new contract, with the 24-year-old, who with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €126.4 million is the fifth-most valuable player in the world, being targeted with a big-money offer from the Saudi Pro League.

“We’ll see what happens with Vinicius, and if a decision needs to be taken,” Manu Carreno said when asked about how he might fit with Mbappe in Madrid’s long-term thinking.

Vini Jr v Mbappe: Club and country stats 2024/25

Vini’s uncertain Real Madrid future

Indeed, the spectre of a €1 billion offer from the Gulf is one that is hanging over the Bernabeu club, despite the fact that Vinicius Junior has been their key man in the big moments in recent seasons.

Real Madrid even backed the winger for the Ballon d’Or to such an extent this year that they did not travel when they discovered that Rodri had instead claimed the prize – an action that was widely criticised in the media.

While Vinicius Junior has habitually starred for Real Madrid, Mbappe has been criticised since arriving at the club, with his overall output and attitude questioned.

“I know Mbappe is not a No.9,” Thierry Henry told CBS in a devastating dissection of his compatriot’s struggles against Milan. “I know this may not be his favourite role, but will and desire speak. You do not win games with your No.10, Jude Bellingham, making runs instead of the striker. Coming back, bending his run, defending, and he gets substituted. I would have been upset too.

“Mbappe will get better, because he can’t be worse than this.”

Lucas Vazquez even aimed a thinly veiled dig at the forward following the 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan, claiming the attack did not do enough defensive work and was too individualistic.

During that fixture, Mbappe failed to register a single touch of the ball between the 13th and 43rd minutes.

It was a statistic that echoed back to Romelu Lukaku’s infamous display for Chelsea against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, when he mustered only seven total touches despite playing the full 90 minutes.