Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid hasn’t gone as expected since he joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. While one pundit has floated the idea that the French star could return to his former club, a journalist expressed doubts that such a reunion is on the cards.

The 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2029, had a difficult start in Madrid. His problems were clearly evident in Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on matchday five of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

With Vinicius unavailable last Wednesday, Mbappé had the chance to shine in his preferred role against Liverpool. Instead, it was a night to forget for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

Kylian Mbappé has been described as a “ghost” by an expert in recent criticism

Although Mbappé scored against Getafe at the weekend, his performances in key moments have not yet impressed. That momentum quickly faded when he missed a 68th-minute penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Club on Wednesday.

Former PSG goalkeeper Jérôme Alonzo didn’t mince his words in his criticism, describing Mbappé’s recent performances as a kind of “ghost” on the pitch.

“His performance was catastrophic,” Alonzo said Wednesday L’EQUIPE du soir. “Sure, he was involved in the goal – he took a good shot and the goalkeeper made a terrible mistake. The goalkeeper was just terrible. He also had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half. Yes, there was undoubtedly offside.

“But when people say to me: ‘He was involved in the goal’ I can’t argue – he took the shot and the goalkeeper made a terrible save. However, other than that, his performance was disastrous. Tactically, technically, physically and attitude-wise, I saw a spirit. I watch these games because I really want this guy to be the player we all wanted to see.”

At some point the adjustment excuse will no longer be valid and the question will arise as to whether Mbappé’s dream transfer will turn into a nightmare.