Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool spent big last summer, but the cheque book could be coming out again to sign one of Europe’s big names.
It has been a painful season for Liverpool in more ways than one with Arne Slot continuing to hang to his job by a thread.
The Reds boss had overseen a period of stability only for a crushing defeat to Bournemouth and Chelsea and Man United to return to form causing a slide down the Premier League table. Any one of seven teams could make it into the Champions League places, including Everton down in 11th.
Liverpool target Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni
Another position that needs to be addressed is finding a natural defensive midfielder. Top of Liverpool’s list, according to Fichajes, is Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. The 25-year old France international is capable of playing at centre-half or in midfield with the perfect frame for the modern game. The Spanish media outlet claims that Liverpool have offered €100m or £87m for the 6ft 2inch tall former Monaco midfielder.
Fichajes also reports that another Premier League team is interested in signing Tchouameni: “The club has received two offers of €100 million each for Aurélien Tchouaméni, a move that confirms the enormous value of the French midfielder in Europe's elite.
“The interest comes from the Premier League. Liverpool and Tottenham have shown a clear determination to acquire one of the most sought-after midfielders on the continent. For Liverpool, the search for a dominant midfielder is a priority. The English club sees the Frenchman as an ideal candidate to lead their midfield for years to come.”
If Liverpool have aspirations of regaining the title, players like Van de Ven, Tchouameni and Diomande are exactly what they need.
Who goes to make room for Tchouameni?
Tchouameni isn’t just an outstanding footballer technically, he is a powerful runner and provides a physicality that Liverpool has sometimes been lacking.
What he also offers is an attacking threat at set-pieces and extra height at the other end of the park, something that has been a weakness this season and even saw the specialist coach depart Anfield. A midfield three of Tchouameni, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai would see three players who are over 6ft tall and with the athleticisim needed to compete both in Europe and domestically.
Curtis Jones has raised his game this season which puts former Slot favourite Alexis Mac Allister under threat should Liverpool spend big on Tchouameni. The Argentina international hasn’t been the same since losing South American teammates Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
He has also been culpable on a a few occasions at set-pieces this season where his lack of height and power has seen him bullied. The 27-year old is a good player, but times change, and Liverpool’s needs are different now that Florian Wirtz is in the starting XI. Selling Mac Allister wouldn’t cover the cost of Tchouameni, but it would, at least, make a dent.
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