The closing days of the transfer window have rarely been straightforward on Tyneside. Newcastle United's summer has already been defined by turbulence, with Alexander Isak refusing to reintegrate with the squad.
Eddie Howe’s side, who finished fifth last season and are preparing for a Champions League campaign, are under pressure to refine their squad while managing the fallout of internal distractions.
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So far, the Magpies have done solid business.
The arrivals of Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga have freshened up the squad with youth and Premier League experience.
Most recently, a £69m deal was struck with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade, the towering German forward who had been courted by Bayern Munich before Newcastle convinced him to make the switch.
Despite the new additions, the midfield remains an area of particular concern.
Joelinton, one of Howe’s most important lieutenants, limped off in the defeat against Liverpool, raising doubts about their fitness in the weeks to come.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
In this context, Newcastle’s recruitment team has set its sights astonishingly high, making enquiries about one of Europe’s most coveted defensive midfielders - a player widely regarded as one of the finest in his position.
Newcastle’s make offer for midfield sensation
According to reports from Spain, Newcastle recently lodged a bid with Real Madrid for France international Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The 25-year-old has long been considered a cornerstone of the Spanish giants’ midfield, and sources suggest Los Blancos wasted no time in rejecting the approach.
Madrid are understood to have already rebuffed a €100m (£90m) bid, setting a firm valuation of over €200m (£185m) to ward off interest.
Club officials, and new manager Xabi Alonso, view Tchouaméni as untouchable.
Xabi Alonso real madrid training
Having been heavily criticised last season, the Frenchman displayed resilience and tactical maturity, winning back the trust of both teammates and supporters.
He has since emerged as a key figure in Real’s long-term project, combining physicality with intelligence and composure under pressure.
Writer Raj Chohan, speaking on the player’s profile, described him as “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet.”
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni
For Newcastle, the enquiry was little more than exploratory.
The PIF-backed ownership has demonstrated its willingness to pursue ambitious targets, but the reality is that Real Madrid are unwilling to negotiate at this stage of the window.
Still, the move itself reflects Newcastle’s intent to match their lofty ambitions with equally elite personnel, even if such pursuits appear beyond reach in the short term.
Comparing Tchouaméni and Guimarães
The comparison with Bruno Guimarães is inevitable.
Bruno-Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes
The Newcastle captain has been central to the Magpies’ transformation since his arrival, but many observers might suggest that Tchouaméni represents an even higher ceiling in the defensive midfield role.
Both are internationals - Bruno with 35 caps for Brazil and Tchouaméni with 41 appearances for France, including a starring role at the 2022 World Cup - yet their profiles and statistical outputs highlight differing strengths.
In possession, Bruno offers greater attacking thrust.
Bruno Guimarães - 2024/25
Matches Played
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Source: FBref
According to FBref, last season he averaged 1.24 shots per 90, with 0.36 on target, and produced 3.66 shot-creating actions per 90.
His progressive passing numbers were also outstanding, with 7.47 progressive passes per 90 and 216.5 progressive passing distance.
These metrics reveal a player comfortable dictating tempo while also pushing Newcastle forward in transition.
Tchouaméni, by contrast, leans more toward control and precision.
According to FBref, he attempted and completed far more passes overall, averaging 62.5 completed passes per 90 at a staggering 92.3% success rate, compared to Bruno’s 40.8 at 82.3%.
His ability to recycle possession without error is invaluable in a side like Madrid, where maintaining rhythm is paramount.
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The Frenchman also excels at advancing the ball over distance, with 357.7 progressive passing distance per 90, underscoring his ability to bypass opposition lines.
Defensively, both players bring tenacity, but in distinct ways.
Bruno averaged 2.29 tackles per 90, highlighting his willingness to press and break up play higher up the pitch.
Tchouaméni, however, demonstrated more balance, contributing 1.57 tackles per 90 alongside 1.14 blocks, while also being one of the top midfielders in Europe for aerial duels.
At 1.88m, his physical presence makes him an imposing shield in front of the back line - a trait Newcastle arguably lack when Bruno is deployed as the deepest midfielder.
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The statistics paint a clear picture: Bruno is more adventurous, combining flair and playmaking with defensive graft, while Tchouaméni epitomises composure, efficiency, and tactical balance.
Both are invaluable, but in different contexts. For Real Madrid, the Frenchman’s precision and resilience make him untouchable.
For Newcastle, Bruno remains indispensable as captain, though the speculation reflects a desire to add depth and variation at the base of midfield.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates for Newcastle
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates for Newcastle
Ultimately, Newcastle’s enquiry may have been quickly dismissed, but it speaks volumes about the club’s ambition.
With a Champions League campaign looming and pressure mounting domestically, the Magpies are aiming for world-class reinforcements to complement their growing project.
While a move for Tchouaméni is off the table for now, the intent shown is unlikely to go unnoticed - both in Europe’s elite boardrooms and among supporters eager to see Newcastle compete at the highest level.