Signed to Manchester City: Mbappé Shocks the World as Real Madrid Sell Their Crown Jewel — Xabi Alonso Lose or Masterplan?

In a move that has sent tremors through the footballing universe, Kylian Mbappé has officially signed for Manchester City, barely months after joining Real Madrid in what was hailed as the biggest transfer coup of the decade. This unexpected U-turn has sparked intense debate across the footballing community, not only because of the player involved but also because of the timing — just as Xabi Alonso was announced as the new head coach of Real Madrid.

Mbappé’s journey to the Santiago Bernabéu was long, complicated, and filled with tension. After snubbing Madrid multiple times, he finally agreed to join in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer from PSG. Florentino Pérez, the club president, pulled all the strings to bring the French talisman to the Spanish capital. Fans rejoiced, believing they had finally secured the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne.

But that joy would prove to be short-lived. Reports began emerging in mid-October that Premier League champions Manchester City had made a shock approach for the forward. Initial reactions were dismissive — after all, why would Mbappé leave Real Madrid just after arriving?

Yet whispers turned into headlines when trusted sources confirmed that Manchester City had triggered a massive buyout clause inserted into Mbappé’s contract — believed to be around €275 million. It was a clause many thought was just symbolic. City, however, made it real.

Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, had just been officially introduced. A club legend in his own right, Alonso was preparing to build a new era in Madrid, with Mbappé as the center of his attacking revolution. But the Frenchman’s departure has thrown a wrench into those plans — or has it?

Many insiders are now questioning whether Xabi Alonso had a say in this dramatic decision. Some reports claim that the former Bayer Leverkusen boss wasn’t convinced that Mbappé’s style suited his vision of positional, collective football. Others believe that Alonso simply wasn’t ready to build the entire team around one player.

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be “ecstatic” about the deal. After failing to land Erling Haaland’s consistent partner up front, he now has a dynamic, world-class attacker capable of breaking defensive lines, creating space, and finishing with ruthless precision. Mbappé’s arrival at the Etihad has effectively made City the favorites for every competition they enter.

For Real Madrid, this is unfamiliar territory. Selling your prized asset just months after signing him? It almost looks like chaos. But some believe Pérez and Alonso may have executed a masterstroke. By cashing in on Mbappé, Madrid now has a war chest that could fund a generational rebuild — one that includes younger players more in line with Alonso’s tactical ideologies.

Already, names like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Rafael Leão are being linked to Los Blancos. There are also talks of a renewed push for Alphonso Davies and a surprise move for Martin Ødegaard’s return. If Real Madrid reinvests wisely, this moment could be remembered as the start of something greater.

Mbappé’s camp, meanwhile, insists the move was not due to dissatisfaction but opportunity. The chance to work under Pep Guardiola, compete in the Premier League, and perhaps win a Ballon d’Or while playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden was too tempting to turn down.

Madridistas feel betrayed. Many had waited years for Mbappé’s arrival — only to see him leave without leaving his mark on El Clásico, the Champions League, or even La Liga. Chants of his name quickly turned into criticism. Social media exploded with divided opinions.

As for Xabi Alonso, the pressure is immense. Losing a player of Mbappé’s caliber can haunt even the most experienced coaches. For a young tactician stepping into one of the biggest jobs in football, the stakes just got higher. But perhaps this is exactly what he wanted — freedom to build his own team, without being forced to tailor it around one superstar.

Mbappé’s move also poses questions about loyalty and modern football values. Was his heart ever truly in Madrid? Did he see the club as just another stepping stone? Or was this all part of a larger plan orchestrated by agents, brand managers, and corporate partners?

Only time will tell if Real Madrid’s decision to let Mbappé go so soon was a blunder or brilliance. For now, fans are left to process one of the most dramatic plot twists football has seen in recent memory.

The saga that started in Paris, climaxed in Madrid, and now continues in Manchester is a testament to how unpredictable football has become. As Mbappé gears up to debut in sky blue, one question lingers in the air: Did Xabi Alonso just lose everything… or gain the freedom to create a dynasty of his own?