Kylian Mbappe Arrival Leaves Barcelona Fearing Real Madrid Domination

Real Madrid wrestled the Spanish title back from Barcelona at a canter this season and, after claiming a record 15th Champions League, their signing of world football's biggest star Kylian Mbappe rubs yet more salt in their rivals' wounds. Los Blancos' addition of Mbappe to an already star-studded squad is a striking statement of intent and could tilt the domestic balance of power even further in Madrid's favour. Barcelona, grappling with self-inflicted debilitating financial challenges, cannot keep up in the arms race with Madrid.

Mbappe arrives for free at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, but Barcelona would not be able to afford the 25-year-old's lavish salary or sign-on fee.

Over the past decade Barca squandered hundreds of millions of euros on failed signings, including Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, as well as satisfying a sky-high wage bill.

Madrid's financial muscle is showcased by the fact they already boast Vinicius Junior who likes to play in the same area on the left side of the attack so Mbappe could even be considered a luxury arrival.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to reconfigure his attacking set-up, with Rodrygo Goes potentially dropping out of the side to accommodate Mbappe.

However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sees Mbappe as the final piece of the puzzle to go with their completed Santiago Bernabeu stadium refurbishment.

By contrast Barcelona of late have contented themselves with loan arrivals and out-of-contract stars reaching the tail-end of their careers and looking for one last challenge.

They were unable to adequately replace veteran defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets last summer and their defence crumbled.

France captain Mbappe's marquee