By Tom Gott & Ben Jacobs
Kylian Mbappe has been speaking directly to Vinicius Junior for several weeks in an attempt to strengthen their relationship ahead of his move to Real Madrid this summer, 90min understands.
Mbappe's long-awaited switch to Madrid was finally confirmed on Monday but questions remain over just how he will fit in alongside Vinicius, who has been playing as the team's central striker since Karim Benzema's departure.
Keen to avoid wasting any time, 90min understands Mbappe has had direct contact with Vinicius on a number of occasions in the past few weeks to get a better view of what life at Madrid will be like for him.
As well as working on his on-pitch relationship with Vinicius, Mbappe has sought advice about playing for Madrid and recognises he is joining a club with significant differences compared to former employers Paris Saint-Germain.
While Mbappe enjoyed plenty of authority in Paris, he will not be given the same level of power in Madrid - a stance made clear by the club's refusal to release Mbappe for this summer's Olympic Games.
Mbappe had even considered entering free agency and delaying his move to Madrid to allow him to play at the Olympics in his homeland, but officials from the Spanish side made it clear that such a move would not be permitted.
The 25-year-old was also told that he must choose a squad number which is currently vacant. The No. 7 shirt he wore at PSG is currently occupied by Vinicius, while the No. 10 he favours at international level is also taken by Luka Modric, who is expected to extend his stay at Madrid by another year. Mbappe has no issue with this and is likely to wear the No.9 shirt.
As further evidence of Madrid's desire to make their authority clear, Mbappe has agreed to an annual salary of €15m, which is lower than the offer made to him back in 2022. President Florentino Perez, who led the negotiations, was keen to show the Frenchman that no single player will be allowed to call the shots at the Bernabeu.
Mbappe has, however, agreed a €150m sign-on fee which will be paid to him over five years, although some of this could end up going to PSG, who continue to work with Mbappe to finalise the terms of his exit from the club.
Carlo Ancelotti is excited for the tactical headache that comes from finding a place for Mbappe in his team. Reports have suggested Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who started alongside Vinicius for the majority of this past season, could be sacrificed, although 90min understands there has not yet been any indication that the 23-year-old could leave the club imminently.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Kylian Mbappe holds talks with Vinicius Junior ahead of Real Madrid switch.
