(Football news) It has been widely known for several weeks now that Mbappe intends to sign for Real Madrid in the summer rather than stay with Paris Saint-Germain. The France international has not confirmed anything, and he has been silent on his future, but PSG manager Enrique has been known to not use Mbappe in every game lately.

When Mbappe was replaced against Marseille on Sunday night, he appeared agitated. His recent absence has only served to confirm the rumor that he will start playing in La Liga in 2024–25. As things stand, it looks like he will be joining a team that has already reclaimed the premier league title, with Anceotti’s team leading by eight points following their 2-0 victory against Bilbao on Sunday.

If Mbappe does arrive at the Bernabeu, he will naturally be used in the final third of the pitch, and that will have consequences for a player already used in the attack.

Vinicius Junior is another guaranteed starter, posing the question of whether Rodrygo would be dropped to the substitutes’ bench or Ancelotti will revert to a three-man frontline.

Rodrygo got on the scoresheet against Athletic, and after the match, the Brazil international was quizzed over Mbappe and the potential ramifications for him.

Rodrygo said: “I still don’t know about Mbappe, I think it’s close from what everyone says. I’ll put my confidence in you [the media], but I don’t know what’s happening either.

“There are a lot of us, so let’s see what the coach decides.”

He added: “If Mbappe comes, I will be benched? It will be an happy problem for the manager. I’m only focused on Real Madrid”.

When Karim Benzema was at Real, Rodrygo was largely used out wide, but that has changed since the legendary forward left for the Saudi Pro League.

Taking on more seniority down the centre and in the final third in general, the 23-year-old has contributed 15 goals and eight assists from 42 appearances in all competitions. By comparison, Vinicius Junior has chipped in with 18 goals and eight assists from 28 appearances, yet Rodrygo has still proven to be a hit in his new role. 

With his added physicality and 14 goals in an underappreciated season, Joselu has been a great addition to the duo. Even if Mbappe decides to join with Real, Ancelotti could use the quartet’s diverse skill sets to complement one another or serve as backups.

Also read: Manchester City interested in buying Lucas Paqueta