Better than Mbappe? Real Madrid have a superior option to PSG striker

Robin Bairner

• 26 Oct 2023 06:14 CDT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are no longer “obsessed” by signing Kylian Mbappe, open the door for the Bernabeu club to explore other options as their long-term replacement for Karim Benzema.

Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord is one of those players who has been linked with a move to the 14-time Champions League winners in recent months, and after an explosive start to the season both domestically and in Europe, the 22-year-old Mexico international will increasingly be a player in demand.

On Wednesday, Gimenez made his debut in the Champions League for the Dutch side after missing the opening two games because of a ban. It was a match that could barely have gone any better, as he scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Lazio.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal make Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni their number one target for 2024

Indeed, he is on a quite spectacular scoring run at present. Gimenez has netted in each of his last nine matches, scoring four doubles and a hat-trick to make him Europe’s most in-form goal scorer.

Although Mbappe will be available on a free transfer when his contract at PSG runs out in June 2024, the total cost of signing the 24-year-old France star will remain enormous.

MORE: Real Madrid given Mbappe signing ‘GUARANTEE’ by PSG star’s mother

Gimenez may cost a sizeable transfer fee, but his wages and bonus demands are likely to make him a cheaper option both in the short and long term.

Furthermore, there is another major upside to signing the Mexican.

Real Madrid better suited to Gimenez than Mbappe

According to SciSports, Gimenez is better suited to joining Real Madrid than Mbappe.

Using the career advice tool of the data analytics experts, it shows that Los Blancos get a Club Fit score of 90 for Gimenez.

This takes into account his potential development, his likely playing time and how the playing style and formation of the team will suit his game.

Real Madrid come out on top as the best option for the Feyenoord star, ahead of Premier League pair Newcastle and West Ham, with Napoli and Arsenal rounding out the best five choices for him.

In contrast, Los Blancos score relatively poorly as a fit for Mbappe, coming in with a Club Fit of just 69. With regards the France star, there are concerns over both the playing style and the formation of the team.

Gimenez, then, may not be such a bad option after all.

Trending

Liverpool star to permanently replace Mbappe as France captain

Premier League managers: Full list of current bosses

Which football managers have been sacked this season?