Kylian Mbappe joins list
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It’s notoriously difficult for players to immediately settle at a new club, especially if they are moving to a new league. Players can often take time to adapt to the demands of living in a new country and learning the language. Last summer, Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid was the most talked about deal of the transfer window.
Despite it being a free transfer, Madrid paid Mbappé an eye-watering signing-on fee and a substantial wage. The French international’s move from PSG was one of the most protracted in recent history and over 80,000 supporters packed into the Santiago Bernabeu for his unveiling. After an indifferent start in Madrid, Mbappe unquestionably enjoyed a successful debut season as he broke the record for most goals (43) from Madrid player in their first season. But where does Mbappé rank for most league goals in a debut season at a new club in a top five league since 2000? Let’s find out.
Mbappe, Haaland & Co – The best goalscoring debut seasons
Mbappe’s 31 goals in 34 LaLiga games ranks him fourth for most top five league goals in a debut season this century. The 26-year-old failed to score in his opening three games in the Spanish top-flight but ended the season in blistering form with nine goals in the final five games. Luca Toni also scored 31 goals during the 2005/06 campaign at Fiorentina but the Italian international played two more games than Mbappe.
As the graphic above illustrates, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane both scored 36 goals after their big-money moves but the England captain takes top spot as he reached that total in three fewer games. Kane enjoyed an incredible individual season at Bayern Munich, although he remained trophyless but Haaland won the treble after joining Manchester City. Mohamed Salah completes the top three with Cristiano Ronaldo in seventh and Robin van Persie in tenth.
