Why Mbappe’s ‘bad behaviour’ won’t put off Real Madrid, Liverpool & Man Utd

Cameron Smith

Updated: 17 Oct 2022 07:36 BST
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, PSG, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly keen to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the earliest opportunity, with the Frenchman said to be unhappy with the club's project and the position he's being played in by head coach Christophe Galtier.

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Mbappe, 23, extended his PSG contract over the summer after deciding to renew terms at the Parc des Princes, rather than make a sensational free transfer move to Real Madrid like was expected.

However, despite being given a huge increase in wages and a more valuable role within the club, Mbappe has appeared frustrated in the French capital.

Despite netting 12 goals in 14 appearances so far during the 2022/23 campaign, Mbappe's goal-scoring prowess hasn't been the reason for much of the headlines concerning him.

His attitude on and off the pitch has been the thing garnering attention instead. From sulking on the pitch when not played through on the counter-attack against Montpellier and subsequently walking away from goal while PSG were on the break, to recently putting up an Instagram story with #PivotGang, in reference to his desire to play with a strike partner at club level, Mbappe hasn't appeared a happy guy in Paris.

According to reports, Mbappe wanted PSG to sign a striker over the summer to allow him freedom to roam and play off another figure like he does when Olivier Giroud plays for the French national team.

PSG were leading the race for Italy forward Gianluca Scamacca for much of the transfer window, but the former Sassuolo star ended up joining Premier League side West Ham United instead.

© ProShots - PSG wanted to sign Gianluca Scamacca but were beaten to his signature by West Ham

Will Mbappe's attitude cost him a move away?

In his column for CaughtOffside, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Mbappe "chose PSG because of the project. Now, he’s not happy about the project, so he wants to find a solution as soon as possible."

Romano added: "Honestly, for top stars like Mbappe, I don’t expect big concerns about his 'behaviour'. All top clubs want Mbappe as he’s a fantastic football player and he will be a star for many, many years so there are no problems with his requests or ideas."

So, while Mbappe has already caused issues at PSG this season, it seems unlikely that his ego or attitude problem would prevent a transfer to one of Europe's elite clubs.

After all, he is a player who scored 39 goals and assisted a further 26 in 46 appearances during the 2021/22 season, and has started this campaign in similarly impressive fashion.

However, one thing that may stop a move away is PSG themselves. The French giants understandably don't want to sell the crown in their jewel, especially so soon after they re-negotiated new terms with him.

So, while Mbappe may want to leave PSG for pastures new already, the club hold the power thanks to the Frenchman's decision to choose PSG over Real Madrid this summer.