Club sources within Real Madrid are questioning whether the signing of Kylian Mbappe was the right decision, characterizing the move as a personal project of club president Florentino Perez rather than a response to the team's actual needs, according to ESPN. Three consecutive managers have failed to build a functional structure around Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, particularly against top opposition.

Mbappe's individual numbers have been substantial, totaling 31 LaLiga goals last season and 24 this campaign. Sources argue, however, that his presence has disrupted both the squad's balance and its dressing room dynamics at a time when Vinicius was established as the club's leading star and a Ballon d'Or contender.

The consequences have been severe. Barcelona clinched LaLiga on Sunday with a 2-0 Clasico victory at Camp Nou, leaving Madrid 14 points behind with three games remaining. It marks the second straight season without a major trophy for the club, the first such stretch since 2006.

Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and current manager Alvaro Arbeloa have each struggled to integrate the attacking trio. Alonso was dismissed in January after just 233 days, undermined by internal doubts and player unrest. Arbeloa won 17 of his first 21 games before the squad's familiar flaws resurfaced in the title run-in.

Off the pitch, Madrid face unresolved issues including Vinicius' contract expiring in 2027, limited transfer funds without significant player sales and a power vacuum at executive level as 79-year-old Perez faces mounting scrutiny.

Jose Mourinho is the leading candidate to take over as head coach this summer, continuing Madrid's pattern of turning to familiar names during periods of instability.