Why Messi & Neymar would be happy with Mbappe to Madrid sale
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 11 Nov 2021 14:30 GMT
- 3 min read
Kylian Mbappe’s future transfer to Real Madrid has cast a cloud over Paris Saint-Germain’s beginning to the season.
In terms of results, PSG have been going well. From 17 league and Champions League games, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won all but four, with their sole defeat coming away to Rennes in a Ligue 1 match.
But these results have hidden the true nature of PSG’s performances. They have looked disjointed and have often relied on late goals to secure victories, regularly through Mbappe’s individualism.
Legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi commented that Manchester United look like 11 individuals simply thrown together on the pitch, but he could equally have been discussing PSG.
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It is a situation that would have grabbed a good deal more focus had results been just a little poorer – and there is certainly unrest among PSG’s supporters as a consequence. There is a sense that something needs to change.
The unbalanced nature of PSG’s front three is naturally a point for discussion. Neymar, Lionel Messi and Mbappe have failed to dovetail, and while the Brazilian has been plagued by below-par form and the Argentine has yet to enjoy a consistent run of games, there is a sense that there must be a change.
PSG need to change
Mbappe represents the logical place to start. He might be the player performing to the highest standard, but in six months he will be off to Real Madrid for nothing – regardless of what tactical alterations take place. It would be pure short termism to put him front and centre of PSG’s thoughts.
This is especially the case given that reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are willing to launch a January move for the forward. It is inconceivable, of course, that it will match the €200 million that was offered in the summer – a sum PSG were foolish to overlook – but a return in the region of €50m would have to rank as excellent business given Mbappe’s contractual situation.
A move would offer PSG a clean slate from which to attack the second half of the season with greater structure to their play.
Neymar and Messi could be more suitably tactically accommodated with changes. It could free both up to attain their true potential. It is worth remembering that such alterations will have to come in the summer anyway. Why not make them now when things are not working?
Of course, PSG are unlikely to sell Mbappe to Real Madrid in January out of pure stubbornness, but that does not mean it is the right thing to do. Indeed, a sale could benefit everyone – not least the misfiring Neymar and Messi.
